Racing NSW Stewards have handed licensed trainer Stephen Dixon an eight-month disqualification following a cobalt overage detected in a urine sample from his horse, Huka Falls, prior to its start in a race at Armidale earlier this year.
The inquiry, held on Monday, July 21, 2025, examined the findings from a urine sample collected from Huka Falls before it contested Race 1 (Maiden Plate, 1100m) at Armidale on February 27, 2025. Independent analysis by the National Measurement Institute (NMI) and Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) confirmed cobalt concentrations of 125ug/L and 112ug/L respectively—well above the permitted threshold of 100ug/L under the Australian Rules of Racing.
The investigation stemmed from an unannounced inspection by Racing NSW Integrity officials of Mr Dixon’s stables on March 25, 2025. Evidence was presented by Racing NSW Investigator Nikki Burke, with further testimony from Mr Dixon, the horse’s registered owner Amanda Dixon, Racing NSW Official Veterinary Officer Dr Rose Bensley, and Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory General Manager John Keledjian.
It was established during the inquiry that Mr Dixon had been feeding Huka Falls a registered mineral supplement containing cobalt at levels exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended dosage. Notably, supplementation continued on the morning of the race.
Mr Dixon pleaded guilty to a breach of AR240(2), which prohibits the presence of certain substances—including cobalt—above prescribed thresholds in a horse on race day. The Stewards took into account his guilty plea, personal circumstances, professional conduct over two decades, and the principles of deterrence and industry integrity when determining the penalty.
While a 12-month disqualification was initially deemed appropriate, the penalty was reduced to eight months in recognition of the mitigating factors. The disqualification takes effect immediately and will conclude on March 21, 2026.
As a result of the cobalt overage, Huka Falls has been disqualified from its sixth-place finish in the Armidale Maiden Plate. The placings have been amended accordingly in line with AR240(1), which mandates disqualification in such cases.
This outcome underscores Racing NSW’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport and enforcing strict compliance with prohibited substance regulations.
