The Racing Integrity Unit (RIU) has commenced an investigation following a positive test result for Cobalt.
Cobalt is a prohibited substance in horse racing at a level of over 200 micrograms per litre in urine.
The horse “Quintastics” tested positive after winning on 11 March at Tauranga. “Quintastics” is trained by Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott at Matamata.
Initial testing is carried out at a Wellington laboratory and any positive results are sent to Perth, Western Australia for confirmation.
As part of its investigation the RIU has advised O’Sullivan and Scott that there are concerns for two other urine samples that have been sent to Perth.
The horses involved are – “Suffire” on 5 February at Tauranga and “Sound Proposition” on 28 February at Ellerslie (3rd NZ Derby)
The New Zealand racing industry has been testing for cobalt since mid-2014 and has tested samples as far back as February 2014.
Investigations are on-going.
As this matter is subject to an investigation no further comment will be provided from the RIU at this time.
Racing Integrity Unit