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Racing NSW Stewards today conducted an inquiry into an Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) Trackwork Rider Testing Certificate relative to a urine sample obtained from licensed stablehand Matthew Quinn after he rode trackwork at Newcastle Racecourse on the morning of Monday, 14th July 2025.

Evidence was taken from Mr Quinn. The relevant ARFL Trackwork Rider Testing Certificate was also tendered as evidence.

Ms Quinn pleaded guilty to a charge under AR139(1)(a) in that he, after riding trackwork at Newcastle Racecourse on the morning of Monday, 14th July 2025, did provide a sample of his urine which was found to contain Cocaine and its metabolites, which is a banned substance under AR136(1).

After considering submissions made by Mr Quinn with regard to penalty, his disciplinary record, and also the high level detected, Stewards were of the opinion that a suspension of Mr Quinn’s licence in full for a period of 12 months was appropriate.

However, after taking into consideration Mr Quinn’s guilty plea, and his personal circumstances, the suspension period was reduced to a period of 9 months.

Accordingly, Mr Quinn’s licence was suspended for a period to commence on Monday, 8th September 2025, backdated to the date on which he was stood down, and to expire on Monday, 8th June 2026, on which day he may resume duties.

Further, Mr Quinn was told that before being permitted to resume he would be required to provide a sample of his urine that is free of banned substances.

Relevant Rules

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;

(3) The Stewards may immediately, or pending the determination of any inquiry or other proceedings or the result of any other analysis, stand down a rider from riding in each of the following circumstances:
(a) if a banned substance under AR 136(1) is detected in a sample taken from the Rider;

(4) If a rider incurs a penalty or is stood down by the Stewards from riding under this rule, the rider cannot resume riding horses until the period of the penalty has expired and a sample from the rider free of any banned substance under AR 136(1) has been delivered, as directed by the Stewards.

AR 136 Banned substances in relation to riders

(1) Unless otherwise stated in these Australian Rules, the following substances and/or their metabolites, artefacts and isomers are specified as banned substances in riders when detected in a urine sample at a concentration above the respective threshold level:
(i) all stimulants, including, but not limited to:
(viii) cocaine.

- J.B. Marshall (Racing NSW Stipendiary Steward)