Cobalt rule reaffirmed

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) has today moved to re-state its position about the status of unresolved cobalt Steward’s Inquiries after Racing Australia’s (RA) Veterinary and Analysts Committee (VAC) review into the matters raised in relation to cobalt.

RA has reaffirmed its position and does not propose to amend the Australian Rules of Racing.

Racing Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett said that in light of the RA decision all Queensland cobalt Inquiries currently in process would continue to be dealt with in accordance with the rules.

The VAC advice included that;

▪ there remains a view among international racing authorities that cobalt has the potential to positively affect performance and is a welfare risk at toxic levels;

▪ a typical daily diet of a racehorse meets a horse’s cobalt requirement and there have been no reported cases of cobalt deficiency in horses; and

▪ there is no nutritional, medical or welfare justification for the administration of cobalt salts by injection at any time.

Commissioner Barnett said the National racing bodies set the rules of racing, it is the role of the Commission to enforce them and all participants have the right of appeal.

ENDS

Media contact Vincene Overs 0472 842 346