Chairman of stewards issues drug statement

Racing Victoria chairman of stewards Terry Bailey has issued a statement regarding the positive drug tests returned by runners from three of the state's premier yards, as the Victorian racing industry continues to weather a storm of controversy. 

“Following receipt of RASL’s report we are conducting investigations into the circumstances that led to the elevated levels of Cobalt being detected in race-day samples taken from horses from the Moody, Kavanagh and O’Brien stables,” Bailey said.

“It is now our priority to gather all the facts to determine the circumstances surrounding each case. We will not be putting a timeline on the completion of this process and will not be commenting on the specifics of each case whilst our investigations continue.

“Our investigations will determine whether any or all of the trainers will be charged with a breach of the Rules of Racing. They have the presumption of innocence and are free to continue racing at this time.”

Three Danny O'Brien-trained runners - including winner De Little Engine and VRC Derby runner-up Bondeiger - returned positive tests for cobalt, whilst the Peter Moody-prepared horse in question is Turnbull Stakes runner-up Ladari.

Mark Kavanagh's positive swab surrounds the win of staying gelding Magicool in the Listed UCI Stakes at Caulfield.