Harpley fronted a steward’s inquiry on Monday after Oxazepam was detected in a post-race swab of Whiskiesonthebeach following his win at Temora on February 9.

Harpley pleaded guilty but presented evidence at the inquiry that confirmed the soil and grass at his property contained the substance Oxazepam.

Stewards determined that a conviction be recorded but did not impose a penalty as they were satisfied that the detection of Oxazepam had resulted from environmental contamination.

Stewards were satisfied that the source of the environmental contamination was a septic sewer system and the use of a human prescription medication by an occupant of the property.

Stewards also took into account that it was Harpley’s first prohibited substance offence and his licence history.

As a result of the inquiry, Whiskiesonthebeach was disqualified from the Temora race.

Earlier in the year, Harpley told The Daily Advertiser he was horrified by the situation and explained how the substance came to be in the horse’s system.