Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards concluded an Inquiry today that commenced on 15 April 2026 in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole was detected in the post-race urine sample taken from RED SAPPHIRE following its win in race 6, the TAB VENUE MODE PACE (1720 metres) conducted at Penrith on Thursday 10 July 2025.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria.
Licensed Trainer Mr Brian Portelli was present with his legal representative Mr Glenn Walters and provided evidence to the Inquiry in relation to the horse RED SAPPHIRE and his registered training establishment.
In addition, the certificates of Analysis and evidence from HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott were presented to the Inquiry.
Mr Portelli pleaded guilty to a charge issued by 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.
Following an application from Mr Walters, HRNSW Stewards adjourned the Inquiry on 15 April 2026 to allow for penalty submissions and associated documents to be collated.
Upon resumption of the Inquiry today, penalty submissions and personal references were provided on behalf of Mr Portelli and considered by HRNSW Stewards.
HRNSW Stewards imposed a disqualification period of 6 months to commence immediately.
In considering penalty Stewards were mindful of the following:
- Mr Portelli’s personal, professional and financial subjectives;
- The circumstances of this matter;
- Serious nature of the substance;
- Class 2 Prohibited Substance;
- Mr Portelli’s guilty plea;
- Mr Portelli’s harness racing offence record and involvement as a trainer/driver in the harness racing industry for 19 years;
- Mr Portelli’s first prohibited substance offence for which a penalty was imposed.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, RED SAPPHIRE was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Mr Portelli 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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