As you know by now, I support punters and their rights in getting short changed in their betting.

So once again, or should I say about the 20th time in recent years, another drug found in horses by stewards.

They are just not handing out stiff enough penalities, if over seas some of the trainers would be getting 1-2-3 years on the side line.

Punters are getting shafted, way too often, though cobalt levels must be a nightmare for trainers to keep under control.

But rules are rules

Cheers James

Peter Moody is the latest trainer to be investigated for cobalt use

Lidari from the Peter Moody stable is the latest horse to return a positive sample for the banned substance cobalt.

Moody said he was devastated when stewards had informed him of the positive sample taken after Lidari finished second to Lucia Valentina in the Turnbull Stakes on October 4.

"I have no knowledge or understanding as to how this could occur and will work with Racing Victoria Integrity Services Department to bring this matter to a conclusion as soon as possible," Moody said in a statement. 

"I take great pride in my role in thoroughbred racing in Victoria and strive to manage my business and support my wonderful group of owners and staff with the highest levels of honesty and professionalism. I will continue to the goal over the next few months and do everything possible to clear my name."

"In respect to the proceedings that will follow from this announcement, I will make not be making any further comment until its conclusion."

Cobalt is is a prohibited substance under the Australian Rules of Racing, however because it is a naturally occurring trace element which may be present in horses at very low levels, Racing Victoria has set a threshold level of 200 micrograms per litre in urine.

Racing Analytical Services Limited reported that the urine sample contained Cobalt at a concentration in excess of 200 micrograms per litre.

The sample was tested at the Chem Centre in Western Australia and was confirmed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Laboratory.


Lidari (centre) finished 2nd in a close finish with Lucia Valentina (L) and Brambles. Image by getty.

Cobalt chloride has been found to have a similar effect as endurance-boosting drug EPO.

Racing authorities have been on high alert for the possible use of cobalt after it was discovered in harness racing in the United States and Australia.

The positive result from Lidari comes just a week after Racing Victoria Stewards confirmed a third horse trained by Lee and Shannon Hope had returned a positive sample for Cobalt.

Mare Choose returned a positive test following a run at Caulfield in September 2014, a month after positive samples form Windy Citi Bear and Best Suggestion were confirmed.