First Victorian Cobalt Hearing Begins

The first in a series of hearings for Victorian-based trainers charged with cobalt overages commenced yesterday, with the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board examining the case of the father-and-son training team of Lee and Shannon Hope. The Hopes had two horses return samples with cobalt in excess of the permitted 200mg/L threshold. According to Racing.com Robert Stitt, representing the Hopes, denied the team intentionally administered cobalt, saying the high readings came from a feed, supplement and medical program that contained cobalt, and he said that program was immediately changed when the high cobalt levels were discovered. Stitt cited that both Hopes had no previous charges or convictions in their careers–Lee in 49 years with a license and Shannon 25 years. According to Racing.com, Stitt also questioned testing methods; pointed out that different factors can affect how quickly cobalt is adsorbed or eliminated and that potential accumulation hadn’t been considered; and challenged the wording of the cobalt rule as well as a lack of relevant studies.

Jeff Gleeson, representing the stewards, said it was a 27-million-to-one shot, according to Racing.com, that cobalt returned at the levels of the Hope horses would occur naturally. Gleeson presented studies to support evidence that the horses could have received a high dose of cobalt the day before racing, or a low dose the day of to achieve those levels.

The hearing will resume Friday. Still to be heard are the cases of trainers Danny O’Brien, Mark Kavanagh and Peter Moody.