Racing: Shock drug result from top jockey's stable

Top Kiwi jockey Lance O'Sullivan says he is shocked by the findings. Photo / Michael Cunningham

The Racing Integrity Unit have begun an investigation following a positive test result for prohibited substance cobalt from the stable of former champion jockey Lance O'Sullivan.

In a shock announcement, the RIU confirmed this morning they are investigating three horses from Matamata's famous Wexford Stables operated by O'Sullivan and training partner Andrew Scott.

This is the first cobalt positive returned in New Zealand. A number of leading Australian trainers are currently under investigation, including Peter Moody, who prepared champion mare Black Caviar. There is no suggestion Black Caviar was ever tainted by an illegal substance.

Cobalt is a prohibited substance in horse racing at a level of over 200 micrograms per litre in urine. It is a naturally produced substance in horses, but rarely above 10 microgrames per litre of urine.

Stable runner Quintastics tested positive after winning at Matamata on 11 March.

Initial testing is carried out at a Wellington laboratory and any positive results are sent to Perth for confirmation.

As part of their investigation, the RIU have advised O'Sullivan and Scott there are concerns for two other urine samples that have been sent to Perth. The horses involved are - Suffire on February 5 at Tauranga and Sound Proposition on February 28 at Ellerslie (3rd NZ Derby) The New Zealand racing industry have been testing for cobalt since mid-2014 and has tested samples as far back as February 2014.

Cobalt is a blood booster and has proved a scourge in Australian racing in the past 12 months.

Lance O'Sullivan said he and his training partner are shocked by the findings and the pair have pledged total support to the inquiry.