Racing Victoria’s ability to detect elevated readings of cobalt in horses and prove they were caused by doping are at the heart of charges against two trainers, an inquiry has heard.
Father and son trainers Lee and Shannon Hope have pleaded guilty to six charges of administering a prohibited substance, but are fighting doping charges after three of their horses returned cobalt levels above the threshold of 200 micrograms per litre of urine.
“This is an important case for the racing industry in Victoria and is a test case on whether the threshold is enforceable,” said Jeff Gleeson, QC, counsel assisting the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board, on Wednesday.