Queensland trainer Rochelle wins appeal against 12-month cobalt disqualification

QUEENSLAND horse trainer Rochelle Smith has successfully appealed against a 12-month cobalt disqualification.

Trainer Darryl Hansen also won an appeal last week after he was originally disqualified on a TCO2 charge.

QUEENSLAND horse trainer Rochelle Smith has successfully appealed against a 12-month cobalt disqualification.

It is the second time in a week a Queensland trainer has had a disqualification overturned on appeal after issues were raised with whether the handling of “B” samples were in line with the relevant Act.

Magic Millions-winning trainer Darryl Hansen won an appeal last week after he was originally disqualified on a TCO2 charge.

Smith had pleaded not guilty to charges involving allegations illegal cobalt levels were found in Grey Countess after she was second at the Gold Coast and Vimzig after he won in Toowoomba in May last year.

However, after protracted series of inquiry hearings stewards found Smith guilty and disqualified her for 12 months.

Smith appealed and argued there had been irregularities in the handling and analysis of the “B” or reserve samples sent to the ChemCentre in Western Australia, which were used in the prosecution by stewards.

The Queensland Racing Disciplinary Board ruled in Smith’s favour and upheld the appeal, setting aside the sentence.

Originally published as Queensland trainer Rochelle wins appeal against 12-month cobalt disqualification