Leading Australian Racing Duo Suspended Over Positive Drug Test
The husband and wife training team of Grant and Alana Williams, who dominate thoroughbred racing in Western Australia, have been suspended following a positive test for a prohibited ADHD medication in a horse that died after a race. The prominent trainers, based in Perth, have trained an impressive 854 winners including 12 at elite Group 1 level, but now face serious allegations that could impact their distinguished careers.
Positive Test Following Tragic Race Incident
Racing authorities opened an inquiry after Starry Heights, a nine-time winning gelding, tested positive for Ritalinic Acid following its participation in a Listed race at Kalgoorlie on October 4, 2025. The horse was pulled up lame during the event and subsequently died, with post-mortem testing revealing the presence of the prohibited substance. Ritalinic Acid, commonly known as ritalin, is prescribed to humans for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder but is banned in horse racing at all times due to its potential performance-enhancing effects.
Trainers Deny Knowledge of Substance
In an official statement, the Williams training partnership expressed surprise and concern about the finding, stating emphatically: "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." They further added that they currently have no explanation for how the substance could have entered the horse's system, while pledging full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Stewards Take Decisive Action
Racing WA stewards confirmed the suspension would remain in place until the case concludes, stating that continued participation by individuals under investigation for a permanently banned substance "would not in the stewards' view be in the best interests of racing in the circumstances of this case." While promising to handle the matter expeditiously, authorities have taken the significant step of suspending one of Australia's most successful training operations, highlighting the seriousness with which they view the allegations.
The Williams partnership has not had a runner since January 18 when the inquiry commenced, marking a dramatic pause in their otherwise dominant racing program. The case represents one of the most significant doping investigations in recent Australian racing history, involving one of the sport's most successful training establishments and raising serious questions about substance control in thoroughbred racing.
