HRNSW Stewards have concluded an Inquiry that commenced on Wednesday 16 July 2025 in relation to a report received from Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that benzoylecgonine was detected in the urine sample taken from IM ALRITE following its win in race 5, the PALMER FINAL (2040 metres) conducted at Parkes on Friday 23 February 2024.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
HRNSW Stewards commenced the Inquiry into this matter with Mr Lex Bramble, the trainer of the horse IM ALRITE who appeared via Zoom.
During the Inquiry a number of documents were entered into evidence, including the certificates of analysis and an email sent to HRNSW Stewards by Mr Bramble on Friday 2 February 2024 to advise that the horse IM ALRITE was left in the care of Mr Brett Hutchings.
In addition, HRNSW Assistant Regulatory Veterinarian, Dr Annie Knox was also present and provided evidence to the Inquiry.
Mr Bramble pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) which states:
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.
In relation to Mr Bramble and pursuant to AHRR 256 (6), HRNSW Stewards did not record a conviction and no penalty was imposed.
In relation to Mr Brett Hutchings, HRNSW Stewards issued a charge pursuant to (AHRR) 190 (1), (3) & (4) as above, by written correspondence.
Mr Hutchings pleaded guilty to the charge issued.
HRNSW Stewards considered penalty submissions provided on behalf of Mr Hutchings and imposed a two (2) years and six (6) months disqualification to commence following the expiration of the disqualification period imposed upon Mr Hutchings in relation to the presentation of the horse FRONTIER to race, not free of a prohibited substance.
Consequently, in relation to this matter Mr Hutchings is disqualified from 15 August 2027 until 15 February 2030.
In consideration of an appropriate penalty, HRNSW Stewards were mindful of the following:
- The circumstances involved in this matter;
- Mr Hutchings’ licence history, offence record, Training/Driving records as a licensed person since 1999;
- Mr Hutchings’ personal and financial subjective facts;
- Class 1 Prohibited Substance;
- Mr Hutchings’ guilty plea;
- Mr Hutchings contribution to the Parkes Harness Racing Club both as a committee member and the track curator for the past 10 years
Mr Hutchings was informed of his right to appeal this decision of the HRNSW Stewards.
On 16 July 2025, pursuant to AHRR 195 the horse IM ALRITE was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
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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