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It is to be noted that the current open Inquiries can be found by the following link: https://www.hrnsw.com.au/racing/stewards/openinquiries
Inquiries Conducted
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20 February 2024– Mr Anthony Schembri – Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) Stewards conducted an Inquiry in relation to a report from Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) in Victoria that Cobalt above the threshold of 100 micrograms per litre in urine was detected in the urine sample taken from GRENADE following its win in race 2, the PAEWAI SHEARING PACE (1900 metres) conducted at Broken Hill on Saturday 14 January 2023.
The reserve portion and control solution were confirmed by the ChemCentre in Western Australia.
Licensed Trainer Mr Anthony Schembri was present with his solicitor Mr Hammond and Mr Sheales of Counsel. Mr Schembri and HRNSW Regulatory Veterinarian Dr Martin Wainscott provided evidence to the Inquiry. In addition to the Certificates of Analysis for the subject urine sample, the results of analysis for Hygain Release feed samples obtained from Mr Schembri’s registered training establishment were also entered into evidence.
The result of analysis for a Hygain Release feed sample obtained by HRNSW Stewards provided a Cobalt level of 2.4 mg/kg and the results for a further sample of Hygain Release obtained by Mr Schembri’s solicitor provided a cobalt level of 3.1 mg/kg.
The label on the Hygain Release packaging provides for a Cobalt level of 0.5 mg/kg.
Mr Schembri pleaded guilty to a charge issued by HRNSW Stewards pursuant to the Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 190 (1), (2) & (4).
In relation to the charge, HRNSW Stewards were satisfied that the Cobalt level recorded in the subject urine sample obtained from the horse GRENADE was as a result of the Hygain Release feed.
Consequently, pursuant to AHRR 256(6), HRNSW Stewards did not impose a penalty upon Mr Schembri and did not enter a conviction on his offence record.
Acting under the provisions of AHRR 195, GRENADE was disqualified from the abovementioned race.
Appeal Decisions
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2 February 2024 - Mr Aaron Goadsby appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to a disqualify him for a period of 3 months after he pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 190(1), (2) & (4) following 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 LUVARESCHS following its win in race 8, the HRNSW GUARANTEED 2YO PACE (1609 metres) conducted at Newcastle on Friday 26 May 2023.
By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel, the appeal was dismissed and the period of disqualification confirmed.
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12 February 2024 - Mr Anthony Schembri appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to a disqualify him for a period of 7 months after he pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 190(1), (2) & (4) following a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that dobesilate was detected in the following samples;
- Pre-race blood sample taken from the horse ON WHEELS prior to Race 1, the ANDREWS HAULAGE & STOCKFEEDS PACE (1900 metres) conducted at Broken Hill on Saturday 29 January 2022;
- Post-race blood sample taken from the horse KEAYANG BALBOA following its win in Race 1, the ANDREWS HAULAGE & STOCKFEEDS PACE (1900 metres) conducted at Broken Hill on Saturday 29 January 2022;
- Post-race blood sample taken from the horse KEAYANG BALBOA following its win in Race 1, the BROKEN HILL MUSICIANS CLUB PACE (2210 metres) conducted at Broken Hill on Saturday 5 February 2022;
- Post-race urine sample taken from the horse KEAYANG BALBOA following its win in Race 1, the BARRIER TRUTH PACE (2210 metres) conducted at Broken Hill on Saturday 26 March 2022;
By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel the Appeal was upheld and the period of disqualification was set aside, with a fine of $12,500 imposed.
HRNSW has appealed this decision to the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal.
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27 February 2024 - Mr Chris Frisby appealed the decision of HRNSW Stewards to a disqualify him for a period of 8 months after he pleaded guilty to a charge issued pursuant to AHRR 190(1), (2) & (4) following a report from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that Levamisole was detected in the urine sample taken from UNCLE CRAIGO following its win in race 1, the AMBOS STOCKFEEDS MAIDEN PACE (2100 metres) conducted at Young on Sunday 28 November 2021.
By decision of the NSW Harness Racing Appeal Panel, the appeal against penalty was upheld and the period of disqualification reduced to 6 months.
Integrity Information
- During the month of February 2023, HRNSW Integrity department obtained 770 race day samples.
As per normal HRNSW procedure all samples have been submitted for analysis.
Integrity Notices
- 12 February 2024 – January Integrity Updates & Information.
- 26 February 2024 – Mr Anthony Schembri - Inquiry Conducted.
All integrity notices can be found at www.hrnsw.com.au
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