Trainer Darren Smith has been handed a 15-year ban from the sport after being found by Racing NSW to have been involved in cobalt doping.
Smith was found guilty of more than 40 charges, all relating to horses from his stable being found with high levels of cobalt in their system. 16 samples taken from 13 horses he trained were found to be over the threshold.
The Newcastle trainer’s ban has been backdated to May 30, 2014, but rules him out until 2029.
According to Sky Racing journalist Andrew Bensley, Smith has already lodged an appeal to Racing NSW Appeals Tribunal.
The currently national threshold for cobalt, 200mcg/L was introduced this year, and was introduced by Racing Victoria in a local rule on April 14, 2014.
Smith argued the lack of a national threshold for the performance booster until this time rendered the case invalid. He has appealed the verdict.
The trainer has admitted to injecting substances into horses which he understood to be a blood booster.
kv joef
Roar Guru
Good from me too. Wonder how long it will be before a gambler of a defeated horse decides to sue a trainer convicted of major doping? Or maybe bookmaking firms trying to recover money lost on the doped winner. Seems to me they would have a reasonable case. Positive news that the melb integrity boys have nailed a vet who has given-up the names of 8-12 trainers. (http://www.theage.com.au/sport/horseracing/melbourne-veterinary-surgeon-admits-supplying-cobalt-chloride-to-horse-trainers-20150319-1m3355.html). Maybe this will ensure the proposed licensing of racehorse vets. Who knows, maybe there might be a required to daily log treatments and additives horses are given electronically ... bit much i suppose but nothing to stop 'licensed' vets doing it as they have to record treatments anyway ... But well done to the stewards and the integrity squads who are certainly making a positive impression.
Scuba
Guest
Good