Top Western Australian trainers Grant and Alana Williams have been suspended after one of their runners tested positive for ADHD drug, Ritalin.
The Williams reject any suggestion the substance was willingly administered to Starry Heights, the horse at the centre of the allegations.
Racing WA stewards said that the “sample was taken after the gelding competed in, and was eased out of, the Kalgoorlie Cup (Race 8) at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club on 4 October 2025.”
Acocrding to stewards, “Ritalinic Acid is a metabolite of the human medication methylphenidate (Ritalin)”, which is banned and that “Racing WA Stewards will inquire into these reports on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. Mr and Mrs Williams have been directed to attend.” Their licence to train has been suspended until stewards finish their inquiry.
The Williams released a statement on Tuesday night in which they say their “stable operates under strict internal protocols and systems, which we believe are of a very high standard”. The Williams say their training operations will continue as normal.
“Alana and I wish to advise that today Racing and Wagering Western Australia Stewards informed us that the B sample associated with a post-mortem (sic) swab taken from Starry Heights on 4 October 2025 has returned an analytical finding for ritalinic acid,” the statement said.
“Ritalinic acid is a metabolite of methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin, a common prescription medication used in the treatment of ADHD.”
“We are extremely surprised and concerned by this finding. At no stage have we knowingly administered, or authorised the administration of, any prohibited substance to Starry Heights. We have no explanation at this time as to how this substance could have entered the horse’s system.”
“The Stewards have opened a formal inquiry into this matter. Alana and I, and the Williams Racing team, will cooperate fully and proactively with the Stewards to assist in identifying how this contamination may have occurred. We are committed to transparency throughout this process.”
“Williams Racing has a long-standing and well-established record of integrity within the Western Australian racing industry. We take our obligations to racing integrity, animal welfare and owner confidence extremely seriously. Our stable operates under strict internal protocols and systems, which we believe are of a very high standard.”
“To our owners and supporters, we want to assure you that the care, welfare and best interests of your horses remain our absolute priority.”
“Training operations will continue to be conducted with the same professionalism, diligence and attention to detail that our owners expect and deserve. We understand the concern matters of this nature can cause and are committed to keeping our owners appropriately informed as the inquiry progresses.”
“We trust the inquiry process will clarify the circumstances surrounding this matter and allow it to be resolved as quickly as possible. We will provide further updates when we are in a position to do so.”
