![Gosford trainer Greg McFarlane has appealed a two-and-a-half-year disqualification imposed by Racing NSW stewards over an EPO positive. [Bradley Photos]](https://betsy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/1320335.jpg)
A trainer has been given a massive, multi-year ban after testing found EPO in one of his horses.
Gosford trainer Greg McFarlane was banned by Racing NSW Stewards for two-and-a-half years over the detection of EPO in an out-of-competition sample taken from one of his horses.
The administration of EPO, a banned substance, can help horses increase their endurance.
According to a Racing NSW release, McFarlane, who won the 24/2025 Gosford Trainer’s premiership, pleaded not guilty to the most serious charge regarding the presence of EPO.
The substance was found in a blood sample taken from his horse, Bremel, at his stables on February 19, 2025.
Two laboratories detected peptides and following an inquiry that stretched across several months, stewards found McFarlane guilty, Racing NSW said. EPO is ”a prohibited substance on Prohibited List A” and cannot be found in a ”horse being trained by a licensed person”.
McFarlane was subsequently given a two-year and six-month disqualification.
McFarlane has since lodged an appeal and was subsequently granted a stay of proceedings.
The trainer was also fined small amounts for incorrectly labelling medication and for the fact some medication was administered intravenously, not orally.
In determining penalties for the positive EPO test, stewards said they considered the seriousness of the charge, McFarlane’s personal and professional circumstances and his disciplinary record, which included previous similar offences.
They also considered the need for specific and general deterrence and the protection of the image, interests and welfare of the thoroughbred racing industry.
The Racing NSW Appeal Panel granted McFarlane a stay of proceedings until his appeal is heard.
