Los Lobos

Hi Midget. Ok, if there is a big difference between the cobalt salt and cobalt Vit B12 and both give positives arn't they both considered a PED and as such are gaining an unfair advantage. I understand that if one is administered specifically to improve performance and the other could be just a case of accidentally overdosing, that different punishments would be handed down. I fail to see though that either one is considered acceptable. Perhaps I am seeing this in black and white but it could fall into a grey area.

Thanks

Thanks We're Doomed. So well explained. If you get it, why oh why do those, supposedly improving "NZ Racing", flounder around (with fancy explanations and no action,) not get it. In fact what are you doing for the next few years lol. No doubt you could shake up a few old school, never had an original thought in their heads die hards, that still think it will sort itself out. Action is warranted before more and more dedicated horse people walk away in disgust.

All good news but what about the maidens, 65s etc. whos owners find racing for $7000.00 so costly that they quit them before they can get to the bigger and better stakes. Also does anyone know why there are so few trials for stayers to get race fit who can't leg it with the sprinters in 1200m trials.

All good news but what about the maidens, 65s etc. whos owners find racing for $7000.00 so costly that they quit them before they can get to the bigger and better stakes. Also does anyone know why there are so few trials for stayers to get race fit who can't leg it with the sprinters in 1200m trials.

Thanks Midget for that. I still don't understand fully though. Firstly they would have to have had samples all ready in order to have got a positive, so why do they need to obtain more? If the testing process is exact surely a positive is a positive! Why would historical samples have any bearing on the case being examined? I understand there could have been a mistake made but regardless of why there was a positive, the fact that one was picked up is in itself presenting a horse with a drug in its system, which gives it an unfair advantage. Isn't it the responsibility of the trainer to ensure no horse entered into a race has been over medicated especially with a substance that would disqualify it when swabbed. Am I correct in thinking that no such mistake has been made in a $7000.00 race but only in bigger stakes races. So, does this not seem surprising that more care is not taken in such races or is it that the risk of being caught in a $7000.00 race is not worth the risk. Or, maybe someone like myself, ignorant in the goings on in large stables, is being unkindly cynical thinking greed shows its ugly head. Regardless of the process it seems an unacceptably long time for as you put it "Getting their ducks in a row" and moving forward. Would appreciate your explanation.

Yet another case of those in authority acting too slow. If it was me I would be up in arms that the sale went ahead without the truth having been exposed. Very frustrating to say the least!

If RIU at least made a statement as to where the inquiry was at, people would feel that it hasn't been swept under the carpet. It is their lack of comment that has people concerned. The question being asked is "Are these fish too big to fry". Always the optimist, I hope not, as i still want to believe there is enough integrity to satisfy those that are waiting to see results. It is all about fairness at the end of the day as well as concern for the animals welfare.

All good news but what about the maidens, 65s etc. whos owners find racing for $7000.00 so costly that they quit them before they can get to the bigger and better stakes. Also does anyone know why there are so few trials for stayers to get race fit who can't leg it with the sprinters in 1200m trials.

Just saying: When I am having financial difficulties I knuckle down, cut my expenses to the bare minimum, eat cheaper meals and work longer hours. I guess the trip to the world cup was sponsored and was beneficial to NZ rugby, but I would think a fair amount of expense was incurred which begs the question "Would you or I still be able to afford the trip". Don't get me wrong I was a great fan of JL and loved to see him play but can't help think that when I make foolish financial decisions I am the one that has to sort it out. No handouts for me or my offspring.

Is there no end to the embarrassment we have to endure in the name of racing. Even the race book states "About 1200m" which makes times mean nothing. Should it then be said "A track record or there abouts" or "Race time 1.10. roughly" I always thought distances and times were exact but one has to wonder. What other mistakes are made and not picked up. Surely a shake up from the top down is necessary.

I agree the RIU need to be well prepared, but surely 10 months later is ample time to be either bringing forward a charge or dropping it due to their findings. Lets face it a murderer would probably get less time to defend themselves, and in the meantime everyone from owners, trainers, breeders, and the general public deserve to know why those under scrutiny are in fact going about their business as if nothing has happened. In fact the comment " business as usual " sums it up. I am sure plenty of trainers are using these pre-race products but they have not returned positive readings or are slipping through the net. Which is it? As an animal advocate I would hope any trainer giving a product that contains cobalt would err on the side of caution rather than over indulge in something that has been documented to be so cruel on the animals future well being.

Just out of interest have noticed that HRNSW stood down a trainer who presented a horse with a higher than allowed cobalt reading. Maybe if there was the option of standing down any trainer showing a high reading things would progress much quicker as the trainer would want to get it cleared up asap. No different to other sporting authorities who use this option when they are presented with questionable findings

Just jaw dropping. But NZ owners can boast of having 5 plus win horses still racing for $7,000.00 SHAMEFUL!

I agree with you Leggy. Regardless as to why the horses in question returned a higher than legal level, they were racing with an advantage and as such must be disqualified. The delays make the integrity unit look like fools.

Anyone that believes in a fair playing field is involved. There are a number of people both in the industry and out that want to see justice done and answers to the reasons why nothing seems to be happening. Maybe they are just naive no names.

Isn't it time there was news on where the NZ cobalt issue sits. How about announcing something at least so we all know it is still on the radar.

Interesting to see when NZ RIU make an announcement regarding the cobalt positives here.