On Wednesday 22 October 2025, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone and gamma-hydroxyphenylbutazone were detected in the post-race urine sample taken from LEAF STRIDE NZ following its win in race 9, the D M PLUMBING TROTTERS STANDING START HANDICAP (2300 metres) conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday 7 June 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Licensed Trainer Mr Anton Golino was present and provided evidence to the Inquiry with his wife Ms Sarah Gray, who is also a licensed Stablehand and registered veterinarian.
In addition, the Certificates of Analysis and evidence from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott were presented to the Inquiry.
Having considered the totality of the evidence presented at the Inquiry, HRNSW Stewards were satisfied that the detection of the prohibited substances in the subject urine sample taken from the horse LEAF STRIDE NZ had resulted from contamination within the stable environment.
Mr Golino pleaded guilty to a charge issued by the HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) 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.
Mr Golino was disqualified for a period of 3 months to commence immediately.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following:
- Mr Golino’s 1st prohibited substance matter;
- Class 3 Prohibited Substance;
- The circumstances of this matter;
- Mr Golino’s personal, financial and professional subjectives;
- Mr Golino’s guilty plea;
- Mr Golino’s involvement in the harness racing industry as a licensed trainer since 2013/14 and his performance records since that time;
- Mr Golino’s harness racing offence record;
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, LEAF STRIDE NZ was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Golino was advised of his right to appeal these decisions of the HRNSW Stewards.
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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