Racing: Aussie Turf boss involved in cobalt saga

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If Australia's positive cobalt drugs saga is not sensational enough, a prominent Australian Turf Club executive has been asked to show cause for allegedly attempting to derail stewards' investigations.

ATC's manager of racing, Matt Rudolph, it is alleged, met trainer Sam Kavanagh at a Sydney hotel, where he asked Kavanagh to change his evidence.

When the Kavanagh-trained Midsummer Sun tested positive to cobalt and caffeine after winning the Gosford Cup on January 9, stewards asked where he obtained the drug.

Kavanagh gave evidence to stewards that indicated he was supplied the prohibited substance cobalt by Melbourne-based veterinarian Dr Tom Brennan, who, it is understood, is a close friend of Rudolph.

Rudolph allegedly met Sam Kavanagh and his father, Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Mark, at the Lord Dudley Hotel in Sydney on March 2.

It is alleged Rudolph asked Sam Kavanagh to withdraw evidence that Brennan, a partner in the Flemington Equine Clinic, was the supplier of the prohibited substance. Rudolph has to answer four possible breaches at his show cause hearing next month for dishonest, corrupt, improper and dishonourable conduct by making statements to Sam Kavanagh in connection with the stewards' inquiry that he either knew to be untrue or for which he had no reasonable basis in an attempt to cause Sam Kavanagh to change his evidence to the stewards in connection with that inquiry.

However, Rudolph will continue in his role with the Australian Turf Club amid the allegations of misconduct.

"Mr Rudolph has fully co-operated with the inquiries of Racing NSW and intends to keep doing so," an ATC statement said.

"Mr Rudolph will continue in his role with the ATC until the hearing is determined, at which time the ATC will further review the matter."

In other Sydney news, John Sargent has no problems with stepping his in-form mare Queen Of Kariba up to stronger class at Randwick on Saturday after an impressive gallop on Tuesday.

The former Matamata trainer has two options this weekend with Queen Of Kariba and has opted for the stronger race.

"I put her in the benchmark 75 and the benchmark 85 and we'll go to the 85 race," Sargent told the Herald as he drove to yesterday's Sydney races.

"It's a strong field but with Winona Costin's claim she will carry only 52.5kg."

Queen Of Kariba has won her past three races, two at Canterbury and the most recent at Rosehill. "She had two earlier starts in this preparation and should have won both of those as well," says Sargent.

The New Zealander is a fan of Costin, who recently broke her association with Gai Waterhouse.

"Winona suits this mare. She knows how good she is and when she's caught behind them looking for a run she doesn't panic, she waits and waits.

"It's important to have a rider that suits the horse."

Sargent bought Queen Of Kariba, a filly by Lonhro, for A$10,000 ($11,100) at the Patinack dispersal sale.

"After this, I might spell her or give her one more run then bring her back and set for the A$1 million fillies' race at the Gold Coast."