QUEENSLAND racing’s long- running cobalt scandal is set to resume next month with four harness racing trainers and at least one thoroughbred trainer set to face stewards inquiries over positive tests.
Racing Queensland’s chief harness racing steward David Farquharson confirmed Darrel Graham, Darren Weeks, Paul McGregor and Neale Scott will all face inquiries next month after horses in their care returned positives to cobalt last year.
Thoroughbred trainer Lynn Paton has also been informed she is likely to face an inquiry next month but Toowoomba trainer Rochelle Smith is yet to be notified of any progression with her case.
Movement on most of the cases comes after months of no action as Racing Queensland waited on legal advice before progressing with the cases.
Farquharson said yesterday Racing Queensland were now comfortable with proceeding with the cases.
“There was just some issues in regards to the Racing Act and also the way that we test samples and the way we do things,” Farquharson said.
“We’ve been mindful of that and we’ve worked through all those issues so that doesn’t occur again. We are very confident now progressing forward with these cobalts that we are complying with the rules.”
A host of Queensland thoroughbred and harness trainers had bans overturned last year due to a legal loophole in the Racing Act.
By Brad Davidson
Reprinted with permission of the Gold Coast Bulletin