Black Caviar cleared of high cobalt reading

Black Caviar - Cropped

Unbeaten racehorse Black Caviar has been cleared of having a high cobalt reading in one of her famous wins in 2011, following an investigation into trainer Peter Moody.

Moody is one of several trainers being investigated into over high levels of cobalt - a substance naturally produced in most animals in small doses - but the question surrounding undefeated mare Black Caviar was one he wanted put to bed - despite the Caulfield trainer not being charged of any offences.

In larger doses, cobalt can emulate Erythropoietin (EPO) in terms of its influence on performance, while the lethal dose of cobalt is estimated between 150 and 500 milligrams/kilogram.

In October, one of Moody's horses Lidari tested above the 200 micrograms/litre threshold that was introduced by Racing Victoria stewards in 2014 - with the rest of Australian racing following suit in early 2015 to implement the limit.

Racing New South Wales, in the nature of their investigation, re-tested Black Caviar's samples following her win in the TJ Smith Stakes in April 2011, and chief steward Ray Murrihy confirmed the now-retired mare was under the limit.

"RNSW Stewards can advise that the urine sample taken from Black Caviar after winning the TJ Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick on the 9th April 2011, returned a cobalt level within normal parameters," Murrihy said.

Moody tweeted his pleasure at RNSW confirming Black Caviar's win was above board.

"Congrats to NSW racing clearing Black Caviar of any controversy involving current issues," he posted.

Black Caviar's win in the TJ Smith in 2011 saw her overhaul rival Hay List in the Randwick straight, before winning by 2.8 lengths in one of her 15 Group One victories.

Racing Victoria's investigation into Moody, Danny O'Brien, Mark Kavanagh and Lee and Shannon Hope is ongoing.

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