Top West Australian trainers Grant and Alana Williams are free to continue racing after successfully winning their appeal regarding the suspension of their training licences.
The development comes as Racing WA Stewards considers extensive evidence in the long-running Starry Heights inquiry.
The duo was sensationally banned from even training the horses in their stables after Ritalin was alleged to have been found in Starry Heights.
Starry Heights was pulled up during the race passed away following its race at Kalgoorlie in October 2024. The pair were suspended in January 2025.
The husband and wife pair later hired prominent Victorian barrister and racing’s lawyer of choice, Damian Sheales, who successfully argued they should be able to continue training and racing while the Stewards continued their investigations.
On Tuesday, the Racing Penalties Appeal Tribunal sensationally allowed the trainers’ appeal and set aside the suspension of their licences.
The Williams stable can now continue their operations while Stewards continue their deliberations into whether the duo should be punished for the presence of Ritalinic Acid.
Racing WA stewards resumed their inquiry on Monday, with further submissions being heard, including evidence from ChemCentre, who responded to questions from counsel representing the Williamses regarding analytical results and related matters.
The inquiry resumed on Tuesday for final submissions on behalf of the trainers.
Stewards subsequently adjourned proceedings and reserved their decision on penalty.
No date has been set for the written determination.
