Black Caviar Cleared of High Cobalt Level
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A urine sample taken from undefeated three-time Horse of the Year Black Caviar after her win in the 2011 T. J. Smith Stakes (Aus-I) has returned a cobalt level within normal parameters.
Racing New South Wales stewards issued a press release to halt speculation about the mare's cobalt levels when defeating her greatest rival Hay List in the April 9, 2011 race at Royal Randwick. Hay List opened a three-length lead on Black Caviar at the top of the stretch, but she overtook him and went to a 2 3/4-length triumph in what was a 12th consecutive win and one of her most memorable.
Black Caviar's trainer, Peter Moody, is one of several Australian trainers under investigation for high levels of cobalt but has been adamant that all of Black Caviar's urine samples be re-tested to protect the legendary mare's reputation.
Black Caviar, a daughter of Bel Espirt, won all 25 career starts—15 at the group I level—including the 2013 edition of the T. J. Smith in what was her final career start. She was Australia's Horse of the Year from 2011-2013.
Racing NSW stewards said they eventually will re-test Black Caviar's sample from her 2013 T. J. Smith victory, www.racenet.com.au reports.