Bathurst harness racing driver Doug Hewitt suspended from driving for 12 months

Harness Racing NSW Stewards conducted an Inquiry on May 21 into a report from Racing Analytical Services Limited that benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, had been detected in a urine sample obtained from Hewitt at the Bathurst trials on March 29.

The reserve portion was confirmed by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory. Subsequently, Hewitt pleaded guilty to the charge.

As a result, Hewitt's driver's licence was wholly suspended for a period of 12 months to commence from 17 April 2021, the date he had been stood down.

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Hewitt was informed that upon completion of a drug and alcohol Program approved by HRNSW Stewards, a period of three months' suspension would be stayed.

He was also informed that an application would be considered by HRNSW Stewards for him to return to trackwork one month prior to the expiration of the suspension period.

In considering the penalty, stewards took into account the the fact it was Hewitt's second offence, the seriousness of the offence, the guilty plea and Mr Hewitt's licence history, personal and financial subjective facts.

Hewitt won the 2019 Red Ochre Mares Classic Group 3 feature with Scarlet Babe.

Hewitt, who is also captain coach of the Bathurst Panthers first grade rugby league side, said he would not appeal the decision.

Bathurst Panthers president Dave Hotham said Hewitt had "made a mistake".

"Has he does the wrong thing? Yes he has, but he's admitted that he's made the mistake and he's accepted his punishment," Mr Hotham said.

"Doug has done a lot for our club. He has helped foster junior talents and he's created a really positive atmosphere within in our club and the playing group.

"He's helped guys who have been struggling and really made them feel welcome and feel like they are a part of something.

"The same goes with harness racing. I would hope that one mistake does not now define him and that people remember all the good he has done."

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