AN OWNER'S PERSPECTIVE OF THE COBALT SAGA

By Graham Potter | Friday, January 23, 2015

Stewards and trainers are at the forefront of the elevated cobalt readings saga. Their views, are far as they can go with individual cases still pending, have been well documented, but what of other investors in racing? What of the owners involved? How do they feel?

OTI, one of the big hitters in racing ownership syndication and bloodstock in the country, have stated its view with regard to current ‘cobalt investigation’ facing the industry. OTI Racing owns Lidari who tested positive to an elevated cobalt reading after finishing second in the Group I Turnbull Stakes last year.

Their view, issued in the latest edition of the OTI Newsletter by OTI Directors Terry Henderson and Simon O’Donnell, gives valuable insight into the minds of those who have been committed to supporting the industry through significant ownership drives and bloodstock purchases and how this unfortunate issue affects their perspective.

THE OTI NEWSLETTER:

‘The recent news claiming horses have produced Cobalt levels in excess of approved limits is a shock for those interested in industry credibility and the health of our racing stock. It is optimistic to think that the trainers named to date will be the only ones to face this issue.

‘OTI confirms that its’ position on cheating in our industry is very clear. We abhor the use of illegal practices to gain advantage or impact negatively on the well-being of our racehorses.

‘We have a responsibility on behalf of our fellow owners to take all possible steps to ensure our horses perform for us in a manner befitting a professional organisation.

‘Moreover, if our owners suffer loss as a result of illegal practices adopted on our horses, it is our responsibility to ensure our and our fellow owners’ rights are protected.

OTI is in no position to make judgements on this matter. The only information available to us is the press and publically available industry articles. We have noted however that some of the international articles are quite detailed in their research on large populations of horses.

We fully support the actions of the Integrity Department of Racing Victoria to resolve this matter in the best interests of the industry. At the same time, we point out that our relationships with Peter Moody and Danny O’Brien, who do or have trained OTI horses over many years, have been honest and frank.

‘It is our hope that some mistake has been made through either contamination or ignorance in the alleged administration of the substance.

‘While neither excuse is likely to be acceptable to RVL, such reasons may go some way to minimising the loss of credibility to our industry and the reputation of the four trainers under investigation.

‘As owners, we also hope that this issue is resolved quickly. We currently face the possible loss of prize money and stud value if our horse, Lidari, is disqualified.

‘While this matter lingers, it is understandable that many owners will be reluctant to place horses with the four trainers. Some of our owners have already expressed reservations in their willingness to buy new horses in this environment.

‘This matter will be resolved and OTI will maintain its current approach to acquisitions. Australian racing generally leads the way on many aspects of thoroughbred racing and while this issue must be addressed aggressively, we have great confidence in our industry.

THE IMPACT OF VETS IN AUSTRALIAN STABLES:

‘In a broader context, this issue has again raised questions around the use of veterinary services in many Australian stables. Over the past 30 years, vets have become an integral part of many training operations. There has been a distinct cultural shift since the 1980’s in favour of their use.

‘Given the dependence by many trainers on their services, one wonders if we have now reached the position where vets have far too much influence. For some trainers, the vets are the prime, possibly the only, source of research on medications and supplements.

‘OTI’s relationship with many vets in our industry is exceptional. On many occasions they have contributed to a horse’s recovery from major injury. They also assist in identifying problems with potential acquisitions. Overall, they are an essential component of OTI’s business and significantly contribute to the wellbeing of our stock.

‘Our comments are therefore not directed at their reputation but the relationship that has developed with many racing stables.

‘There is little doubt that this cultural shift in the use of vets has led to the overuse of pre-race/post-race medications (many scientifically shown to be useless) as well as overtreatment generally. Some trainers see these treatments as some sort of ‘security blanket’ around race time.

‘Such unwarranted services take the focus away from horsemanship, the core of a trainer’s business.

‘To highlight our concerns on this matter, we know that, on average, vet costs in Australia are over four times those of some of the world’s best training stables in France and the UK. Much of the difference is again on pre/post-race treatment.
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‘Fortunately, as a result of recent legislative changes in Victoria, vets are now subject to the Rules of Racing.

‘If formal charges are made against the trainers, this may be the first serious case where vets are examined and put in the position of justifying their methods.’

Source OTI Newsletter, Directors Terry Henderson and Simon O’Donnell