NSW integrity update

It has been a busy month for the Harness Racing New South Wales integrity division with a number of cases.

New Inquiries

• 4 February 2022 – Mr Peter Russo – HRNSW Stewards have commenced an investigation in relation to a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole had been detected in the urine sample taken from WITH REVENGE NZ following its win in race 3, the TRU RACK PACE (2125 metres) conducted at Penrith on Thursday 2 December 2021.

The “B” sample has been confirmed by Racing Analytical Services LTD (RASL) in Victoria.

Inquiries Concluded

• 7 February 2022 – Mr Peter Hedges pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) following a report from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Cobalt above the threshold of 100 micrograms per litre in urine had been detected in the urine sample taken from MONDOS EAGLE following its win in race 5, THE PUB GROUP TAMWORTH PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Tamworth on Thursday 23 September 2021.

In relation to that charge, HRNSW Stewards were satisfied to the requisite standard that the Cobalt levels recorded in this matter occurred as a result of an error made during the feed manufacturing process. Consequently, pursuant to AHRR 256(6), HRNSW Stewards did not impose a penalty upon Mr Hedges and did not enter a conviction on his offence record.

Mr Hedges was fined $500 in relation to a Log Book offence issued pursuant to AHRR 190B(1)(a), (b) & (6).

The subject horse was disqualified under the provisions of AHRR 195. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)

• 14 February 2022 – Mrs Stacie Elliott pleaded guilty to three (3) charges issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) following reports from the Australian Government National Measurement Institute (NMI) that Cobalt above the threshold of 100 micrograms per litre in urine had been detected in the urine samples taken from:
• CLASSIC ARC following its win in race 5, the HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY JORDAN MURPHY PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Friday 3 September 2021;
• MAGIC SHOOS following its win in race 9, the TAB VENUE MODE PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Friday 3 September 2021; and
• OUR BUSHWACKER following its win in race 8, the TAB LONG MAY WE PLAY PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Friday 24 September 2021.

In relation to those charges, HRNSW Stewards were satisfied to the requisite standard that the Cobalt levels recorded in those matters occurred as a result of an error made during the feed manufacturing process. Consequently, pursuant to AHRR 256(6), HRNSW Stewards did not impose any penalty upon Mrs Elliott and did not enter convictions on her offence record.

The subject horses were disqualified under the provisions of AHRR 195.

(original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)

• 14 February 2022 – Mr Raymond Walker pleaded guilty to three (3) charges issued by HRNSW Stewards following a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Lignocaine, 3’-hydroxy lignocaine and norlignocaine had been detected in the urine sample taken from the horse MISTER REA following its win in race 6, the NSW BREEDERS CHALLENGE 2YO COLTS & GELDINGS HEAT (1720 metres) conducted at Young on Tuesday 14 September 2021.

In relation to a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 190(1), (2) & (4), Mr Walker was disqualified for a period of 3 months.

In relation to a charge issued pursuant to Issued pursuant to AHRR 196A(1)(ii) & (2), Mr Walker was disqualified for a period of 4 months disqualification to be served concurrently.

In relation to a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 190B(1)(a), (b) & (6), Mr Walker was fined $500.

The subject horse was disqualified under the provisions of AHRR 195. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)

• 16 February 2022 – Mr Nathan Carroll pleaded guilty to thirty-five (35) charges issued by HRNSW Stewards following an Inquiry regarding an investigation in relation to the treatment of horses prior to racing by Mr Nathan Carroll. In addition, the Inquiry related to the possession and supply of unregistered substances and/or prohibited substances.

Mr Carroll was disqualified for life and horses subject to treatment contrary to the AHRR were disqualified from their respective races. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)

• 21 February 2022 – Mr Matthew Johnstone pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4) following a report from the from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that synephrine had been detected in the urine sample taken from JAY PEEZ OFFICIAL following its win in race 1, FERNDALE DISTRIBUTORS LADYSHIP PACE (2000 metres) conducted at Temora on Tuesday 5 January 2021.

Mr Johnstone was disqualified for a period of 6 months.

The subject horse was disqualified under the provisions of AHRR 195. (original notice at www.hrnsw.com.au)

Appeal Decision

• 9 February 2022– Ms Phoebe Betts appealed the decision of Stewards to suspend her licence for a period of 6 weeks following a breach of AHRR 149(2) when driving ELPINE SALLY in Race 9, the DWYER CONTRACTING MAIDEN PACE (1660 metres) conducted at Parkes on Friday 29 October 2021. By decision of the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal the appeal was upheld.
• 14 January 2022– Mr Peter Russo appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to suspend his Trainer’s licence on 16 February 2022 pursuant to Australian Harness Racing Rule 183. On 17 February 2022, the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal refused Mr Russo a Stay.

• On 16 February 2022 Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards, acting under the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule 183 (a), (c) & (d), suspended the Trainer’s licence of Mr Peter Russo after receiving advice that Levamisole had been detected in the urine sample taken from WITH REVENGE NZ following its win in race 3, the TRU RACK PACE (2125 metres) conducted at Penrith on Thursday 2 December 2021.

  On that date, Mr Russo appealed against the decision of the HRNSW Stewards and applied for a Stay of the Steward’s decision.

  On Thursday 17 February 2022, the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal refused Mr Russo a Stay.

  On Tuesday 8 March 2022, an Appeal was conducted in respect of the decision of HRNSW Stewards to suspend Mr Russo’s Trainer’s Licence pursuant to AHRR 183.

  Mr Russo’s appeal was upheld and the decision of HRNSW Stewards was set aside.

  A date for the Inquiry has not been scheduled at this time.

Integrity Information

• During the month of December, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 773 Race day samples.

As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.

It is to be noted that the current open Inquiries can be found by clicking here.

From Harness Racing New South Wales