Group 1-winning trainer Ben Smith found guilty on cobalt charges

Ben Smith, a Group 1-winning trainer in Australia, faces a lengthy suspension after he was found guilty of charges relating to the use of cobalt.

Racing New South Wales stewards, who stood Smith down last September after a raid on his stables, will announce his penalty on June 11.

His stable hands Emma Bickley and Daniel Smith were also found guilty on all charges against them including that of 'aid, abet and conspire to administer medication on raceday'. They will be issued sanctions on May 28.

What is cobalt?

Cobalt is naturally occurring and all mammals, including horses, require a trace presence in their diet. At higher levels, it can increase the production of red blood cells, which is why the substance is regarded as potentially performance-enhancing.

More red blood cells increase the amount of oxygen that can be carried through the body, theoretically allowing peak performance levels to be maintained for a longer period.

Smith, who found fame with Group 1 winners In Her Time and El Dorado Dreaming last year, was charged in relation to elevated cobalt levels in two horses, unregistered bottles of substances found in a September 11 raid of his stable, car and residence, raceday treatments and his initial failure to comply with investigations.

Smith pleaded guilty to most of the ten charges laid against him earlier this month, with not guilty pleas entered for charges relating to administration.

However, Racing NSW stewards found him guilty of administering cobalt to Iron Duke and Elaborate before they raced in August of last year.

The cobalt threshold level is capped at 100 micrograms per litre of urine but Iron Duke was found to have 245mg/L of cobalt in his system and Elaborate 535mg/L.

Out-of-competition swabs from the raid showed another two of his horses El Dorado Dreaming had 740mg/L and Tabrobane 2900mg/L.

Smith also pleaded not guilty to improper conduct in that he administered a substance that contained formaldehyde – a substance used in embalming fluid – but stewards found against him.

At the inquiry, Smith's lawyer, Paul O'Sullivan, presented a doctor's report about his client's concerning depression and anxiety. He also told stewards about Smith's excessive use of prescription painkillers for a chronic back complaint and his drinking problem.

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