Racing Victoria appeals Richard Laming’s three-month ban for elevated cobalt reading

Racing Victoria has set up another battle with Richard Laming after appealing the trainer’s three-month ban on a cobalt-related charge.

The Victorian Racing Tribunal suspended Laming for three months after the trainer pleaded guilty to presenting Iam Ekstraordinary to the races with an elevated cobalt level.

Laming was found not guilty of administering the substance to Iam Ekstraordinary, which contested a 1200m Ballarat maiden on May 23, 2018, after it was established a stable employee gave the horse a vitamin injection in error, which led to the elevated reading.

Laming immediately appealed the severity of the penalty but Racing Victoria says the Victorian Racing Tribunal was too lenient with the trainer, taking the case to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

“Mr Laming lodged an appeal with VCAT against the severity of a three-month suspension handed to him by the Victorian Racing Tribunal last month after he pleaded guilty to presenting a horse to race with cobalt above the permitted threshold,” a Racing Victoria spokesman said.

“On the basis that the stewards requested a penalty of 10 months disqualification before the Victorian Racing Tribunal for that offence, they have lodged a counter-appeal so that VCAT considers the position of both parties in making its decision as to an appropriate penalty.”

Trainer Richard Laming had serious charges against him withdrawn in controversial circumstances in February. Picture: AAPSource:AAP

Racing Victoria’s move is the latest legal stoush between the governing body and Laming.

RV has taken a public hammering in the wake of the sensational collapse of its stomach tubing case against Laming last month.

Racing Victoria withdrew serious charges against Laming after an issue arose with the evidence in the matter, which stewards no option but to drop the case.

Mugatoo owner ambassador Matt Forys visits the 2021 All-Star Mile champion after taking home a life-changing $250,000 thanks to the horse’s big win at The Valley. Video courte…

Mugatoo owner ambassador Matt Forys visits the 2021 All-Star Mile champion after taking home a life-changing $250,000 thanks to the horse’s big win at The Valley. Video courtesy Racing Victoria.

The error left RV liable for Laming’s legal fees in the matter.

The Victorian Racing Integrity Board and the Racing Integrity Commissioner have demanded a public explanation of Racing Victoria’s conduct in the Laming tubing case.

A steward is on restricted duties pending an investigation into the debacle.

Originally published asRV lodges Laming cobalt ban counter appeal

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