Grant and Alana Williams free to resume training after legal win

Grant and Alana Williams are free to resume training.

The Williamses, West Australia's premier training duo, had a stay of suspension granted by Racing Penalties (Appeals) Tribunal of West Australia on Monday pending the hearing of their appeal after one of their runners tested positive to Ritalin.

They are free to resume racing immediately.

The Williamses were represented by respected Victorian lawyer Damian Sheales, in Perth on Monday.

The Williamses have argued their innocence after they were suspended from racing and trialling horses after one of their runners, Starry Heights, tested positive for ADHD drug, Ritalin.

Late on Monday, Racing Western Australia confirmed the Williamses were free to resume training.

''The Racing Penalties Appeal Tribunal (RPAT) today determined the stay application by thoroughbred trainers Grant and Alana Williams against RWWA Stewards’ order to suspend their training licenses pursuant to Local Rule 22 of the Rules of Thoroughbred Racing,'' a statement said.

Mr and Mrs Williams had filed a Notice of Appeal, dated 5 February 2026, with RPAT seeking to overturn an order of RWWA Stewards’ suspending their training licences (‘Suspension Order’), pursuant to Local Rule 22, pending the determination of a charge against them under Rule 240 (2). Pending the determination of the appeal to RPAT, which is to be listed for 10 March 2026, they also sought a stay of the operation of the suspension order.

''Pursuant to s. 17(7) of the Act, the Tribunal directs that the RWWA Stewards’ order under Local Rule 22 suspending the Appellants’ training licenses be stayed until 4.00 pm on 10 March 2026

''Accordingly, Mr and Mrs Williams can resume training racehorses.''