Latest News

Racing NSW Stewards yesterday conducted an inquiry into the Analysts’ findings of phenylbutazone and its metabolites in a post-race urine sample taken from Floral Legend following the mare placing second in Race 5 (4YO & UP Maiden Plate, 1250m) conducted at Newcastle Racecourse on Thursday, 14 August 2025.

Evidence was yesterday taken from the co-trainer of Floral Legend, Anthony Freedman, who represented the partnership of Anthony & Sam Freedman and also the interests of the owner, Racing NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Carly Garling and ARFL General Manager, Mr John Keledjian.

Stewards established the following:

1. The treatment records detailed on 8 August 2025 the horse stabled next to Floral Legend was treated with 10ml of phenylbutazone paste and the stables are separated by a mesh fence.

2. There was no evidence in the treatment records that indicate that Floral Legend was treated with phenylbutazone in the relevant period prior to 14 August 2025.

Charge – AR240(2) - Prohibited substance in sample taken from horse at race meeting

The Freedman training partnership pleaded guilty to a charge under AR240(2) of presenting Floral Legend to Newcastle Racecourse on 14 August 2025 for the purpose of the mare participating in Race 5 when the prohibited substances Phenylbutazone, Oxyphenbutazone and Gamma hydroxy phenylbutazone were detected in a post-race urine sample taken from the mare.

Penalty

In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account the following:

1. Guilty plea

2. Good record, albeit Mr Anthony Freedman’s one prior offence under this rule in 2014

3. The Stewards determined the finding of phenylbutazone and its metabolites at a low level was most likely due to cross stable contamination of an administration of oral phenylbutazone

4. Improvements made to stable practices

5. Principles of specific and general deterrence and what message is sent to the industry in respect to such conduct

6. Purpose of issuing penalties as a protective measure for the image and interests of the Thoroughbred Racing Industry

The partnership was fined the sum of $5000, reduced from $7000 for guilty plea and other relevant considerations.

Placing of Floral Legend

Under the powers of AR240(1), Floral Legend was disqualified from its 2nd placing in Race 5 (4YO & UP Maiden Plate, 1250m) conducted at Newcastle Racecourse on 14 August 2025 and the placings were amended as follows:

1st - The Stars
2nd - California Command
3rd - In And Out
4th - Good Karma
5th - I Wanna Be

Relevant Rules

AR 240 Prohibited substance in sample taken from horse at race meeting

- Tom Moxon (Chairman of Stewards, Racing NSW)