A senior racing executive will continue in his role with the Australian Turf Club amid allegations of misconduct in the Midsummer Sun cobalt affair.
Matt Rudolph, the ATC’s executive manager, racing, has been asked by Racing NSW to show cause why he should not be penalised for his conduct relating to a meeting with trainers Sam and Mark Kavanagh who are embroiled in separate inquiries into the use of cobalt on horses.
At that meeting in a Sydney hotel in March, Rudolph is alleged to have pressured Sam Kavanagh to withdraw his evidence that Dr Tom Brennan supplied him with a bottle labelled Vitamin Complex that contained cobalt.
Brennan, a partner in the Flemington Equine Clinic, has been charged in both NSW and Victoria after investigations stemming from the evidence given by Sam Kavanagh.
The Sydney-based Sam Kavanagh faces a raft of charges stemming from a positive swab to cobalt and caffeine taken from Midsummer Sun after his Gosford Cup win in January.
Mark Kavanagh has also been charged by Victorian stewards over a high level of cobalt found in one of his horses.
“Mr Rudolph has fully cooperated with the inquiries of Racing NSW and intends to keep doing so,” an ATC statement said.
“Mr Rudolph will continue in his role with the ATC until the hearing is determined, at which time the ATC will further review the matter.”
“The ATC supports Racing NSW investigating all allegations, to preserve and enhance the integrity of thoroughbred racing and its standing with the public.
“Integrity is paramount in thoroughbred racing.”
Rudolph will front a sub committee of the Racing NSW board on August 5 while Sam Kavanagh will appear before stewards on Monday week to answer the charges against him.
Cobalt is a naturally occurring substance in horses but can be toxic in high doses, with a national threshold in place since the beginning of the year.
