RACING Queensland can confirm eight of the nine samples sent to Perth for confirmatory cobalt testing have returned results which are in excess of the threshold and will now be sent to Sydney for referee analysis.
RQ General Manager of Stewarding and Integrity Wade Birch said the samples consisted of two from the thoroughbred code and six from the harness code – split between two thoroughbred trainers and three harness trainers.
“We received the results of those tests this afternoon and as required under the Australian Rules of Racing, they will be sent for referee analysis to a laboratory in Sydney,” he said.
"We understand there is demand from the industry for us to reveal the names of those implicated, however due process requires a referee analysis be conducted before individuals can be named.
“This is the case with all swabbing procedures, irrespective of the prohibited substance.”
It is expected the process around the referee analysis could take up to two weeks to be completed.