The Peter Moody cobalt case could drag on as stewards consider an appeal against the trainer’s suspension.
The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board outed Moody for 12 months on Thursday, but suspended half of his penalty.
Moody’s galloper Lidari returned a higher than allowed level of cobalt after running second in the 2014 Turnbull Stakes.
He was found not guilty of administering cobalt for the purpose of affecting performance, but guilty to two lesser charges.
The stewards have 28 days to appeal the verdict.
“It’s something we’re discussing and the stewards have the right to appeal,” chief steward Terry Bailey told Melbourne radio station RSN.
“The RAD Board yesterday didn’t hand down any reasons for the penalty.
“We would obviously like to get those reasons before we consider our position any further.”
Bailey said Moody’s suspension didn’t allow him to train racehorses but he was still able to own and race horses, attend race meetings as well as yearling sales.
Moody’s suspension begins at midnight on March 24.
He has 95 horses in training and a further 200 horses on his books.
“We will require some details from Mr Moody as to what plans they wish to put in place going forward,” Bailey said.
“From a stewards’ perspective we’ll decide whether those plans are appropriate and not only above board, but look above board.”
