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Stewards inquired into the result of a breath test provided by licensed trainer Mr Robert Lane during trackwork at Dubbo on 20 May 2025.

On the morning of 20 May 2025, Racing NSW Stewards attended Dubbo Racecourse for the purpose of conducting random breath testing of licensed persons in accordance with their powers under the Rules of Racing.

Mr Lane was randomly tested in accordance with Racing NSW’s drug and alcohol policy. The initial sample returned a positive indication for alcohol. Subsequently confirmatory tests returned a blood alcohol concentration above the relevant threshold level (low range). Mr Lane was stood down from the remainder of his duties on 20 May 2025.

Racing NSW Stewards today conducted an inquiry into the breath sample provided by Mr Lane. A brief of evidence was tendered, and oral evidence was taken from Mr Lane.

Stewards considered the evidence and issued a charge under AR139(1)(a) against Mr Lane as detailed below;

Charges issued against Mr Robert Lane

AR 139 Offences where riders use banned substances:

The details of the charge being that licensed trainer Mr Robert Lane on the morning of Tuesday, 20 May 2025 during trackwork duties at Dubbo Racecourse did provide a sample of his breath in which alcohol, which is a banned substance under AR136(1)(f), was detected at a concentration above the relevant threshold level (low range).

Plea: Guilty

Penalty

The Stewards considered the following matters when determining penalty.

1. Guilty plea.
2. Mr Lane’s personal and professional circumstances.
3. Industry participant for over 30 years with a clean record.
4. Mr Lane’s willingness to accept responsibility for the breach.
5. Principle of specific and general deterrence and what message is sent to the industry in respect of such conduct.
6. Purpose of issuing penalties as a protective measure for the image and interests of the thoroughbred racing industry.

Charge 1: AR139(1)(a) – 8 weeks suspension of license.

Having regard to his guilty plea and other relevant considerations, Stewards determined that Mr Lane’s riding component of his trainer’s license be suspended for a period of 8 weeks reduced to 6 weeks, to commence immediately and to expire on 11 July 2025. Mr Lane was advised of his rights of appeal.

Relevant Rule

Division 5 – Substances banned for use by riders and horse handlers

AR 139 Offences where riders use banned substances (1) A rider breaches these Australian Rules if: (a) a banned substance under AR 136(1) is detected in a sample taken from the rider.