On Monday 11 August 2025, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry into a report received from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that harpagoside was detected in the post-race urine sample obtained from the horse THE CID following its win in Race 5 the TAB REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL - HUNTER (LISTED CLASSIC) (2030 metres) at Newcastle on Friday 17 May 2024.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Licensed Trainer Mr Mark Callaghan appeared at the Inquiry and presented evidence in relation to the horse THE CID and his registered training establishment. Licensed Stablehand, Mrs Simone Callaghan also appeared at the Inquiry and presented evidence.
A number of documents were entered into evidence at the Inquiry including the Certificates of Analysis in relation to the post-race urine sample and samples obtained from Mr Callaghan’s registered training establishment.
HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian, Dr Martin Wainscott, was also present and provided evidence to the Inquiry that he was unable to exclude the septic sewer system within the registered training establishment as a source for the presence of harpagoside detected in the urine sample.
Mr Callaghan pleaded guilty to a charge issued against him pursuant to the Australian Harness Racing Rules as follows:
AHRR 190. (1) A horse shall be presented for a race free of prohibited substances.
(2) If a horse is presented for a race otherwise than in accordance with sub rule (1) the trainer of the horse is guilty of an offence.
(3) If a person is left in charge of a horse and the horse is presented for a race otherwise than in accordance with sub rule (1), the trainer of the horse and the person left in charge is each guilty of an offence.
(4) An offence under sub rule (2) or sub rule (3) is committed regardless of the circumstances in which the prohibited substance came to be present in or on the horse.
HRNSW Stewards imposed a $3000 upon Mr Callaghan.
In consideration of an appropriate penalty, HRNSW Stewards were mindful of the following:
- The circumstances of this matter including evidence of Dr Wainscott;
- Mr Callaghan’s licence history, offence record, training and driving records during a 38 year involvement in the harness racing industry;
- Mr Callaghan’s personal subjective facts;
- Mr Callaghan’s second prohibited substance matter;
- Class 3 Prohibited Substance;
- The status of the subject race;
- Mr Callaghan’s guilty plea;
- Steps taken by Mr Callaghan to secure a perimeter around the septic sewer system transportation pit.
Mr Callaghan was informed of his right to appeal the decision of the HRNSW Stewards.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, THE CID was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
In addition, pursuant to AHRR 195A (2), THE CID was also disqualified from Race 6, the TAB REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL - STATE (LISTED CLASSIC) (2030 metres) at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 25 May 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
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Name:
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Michael Prentice Clint Bentley
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Position:
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Chief Integrity Officer Chairman of Stewards
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Phone:
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(02) 9722 6600 (02) 9722 6628
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Email:
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mprentice@hrnsw.com.au cbentley@hrnsw.com.au
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