Victorian trainer suspended pending cobalt inquiry

Harness Racing Victoria stewards, acting under the provisions of Australian Rule of Harness Racing 183, has suspended Craig Demmler’s trainer’s and drivers’ licences.

Stipes based their decision after the analysis of a raceday sample collected from a horse prepared by Demmler.

The Chemistry Centre in Western Australia, and the National Measurement Institute in New South Wales, reported the sample contained cobalt at a concentration in excess of the permissible threshold, which sits at 200 micrograms per litre in urine.

Demmler has appealed the stewards’ decision to suspend his licences.

The appeal will be heard by the independent HRV Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board on Wednesday.

HRV stewards will continue their investigations into the reported cobalt irregularity.

Earlier today, Harness Racing SA stewards suspended local horseman Mick Micallef.

This action was taken after receiving advice from the Chem Centre, Western Australia that cobalt above the threshold was detected in a post race urine sample taken from Glenthorne followings its win at Mount Gambier on November 30, 2014.

The “B” sample has been confirmed by the National Measurement Institute, New South Wales.

Micallef was given an opportunity to be heard on the imposition of Rule 183, but elected not to provide a submissions

No date has been set for the inquiry.

• PAUL COURTS