One in all Western Australia‘s most profitable horse trainers is preventing critical racing fees after investigators allegedly found an injectable product containing cobalt salts at her coaching property following a optimistic swab from one among her winners.
Distinguished Perth coach Meryl Hayley has pleaded not responsible to 2 fees introduced by Racing WA after the mare Divine Inanna returned a prohibited cobalt studying following her victory at Geraldton on October 12 final yr.
The long-running stewards’ inquiry resumed this week, with additional proof heard earlier than the matter was adjourned till August 13.
In keeping with Racing WA, investigators allegedly discovered Hemoplex, an injectable product containing cobalt salts, throughout a search of Hayley’s coaching premises on December 16, 2025.
Cobalt can enhance the manufacturing of purple blood cells, bettering the blood’s capacity to hold oxygen to muscle groups throughout strenuous train.Â
That elevated oxygen supply can improve a horse’s endurance and restoration, which is why cobalt ranges are strictly regulated and extreme concentrations are prohibited beneath the Australian Guidelines of Racing.Â
Racing WA investigators allegedly discovered Hemoplex at Meryl Hayley’s coaching property throughout their cobalt investigation final December
Hayley has pleaded not responsible to fees referring to alleged cobalt rule breaches in racing
Hayley faces one cost alleging she possessed an injectable product containing cobalt salts, opposite to Australian Rule 252A(1).
She additionally faces a second cost alleging she offered Divine Inanna to race after the mare returned a post-race urine pattern containing cobalt at a focus above the permitted threshold of 100 micrograms per litre following her Geraldton victory.
Racing WA stewards stated a number of witnesses gave proof when the inquiry resumed on Wednesday.
‘Proof was heard from a number of folks,’ stewards stated.
‘The inquiry has been adjourned, to permit extra individuals to be referred to as on behalf of Ms Hayley.
‘The case is predicted to renew on August 13.’
Hayley, whose licence was quickly suspended earlier this yr earlier than that suspension was lifted pending the end result of associated authorized proceedings, has constantly denied the allegations.
The inquiry first opened on January 5 earlier than being adjourned later that month after Hayley entered not responsible pleas and sought further time for submissions by her representatives.
Numerous delays adopted earlier than the listening to resumed this week.
Below the Australian Guidelines of Racing, ‘A licenced individual should not possess, or have on their premises, any injectable substance which accommodates cobalt salts.’
Cobalt is prohibited in racing due to its recognised performance-enhancing results in horses.
Hayley is amongst Western Australia’s extra skilled trainers, recording 157 wins from 1,600 starters throughout her profession at a strike fee of 9.8 per cent.Â
Over the previous 12 months she has ready 18 winners from 141 starters, whereas this season she has additionally skilled 18 winners at a strike fee of 13.5 per cent.
Her steady has loved success this season with horses together with metropolis winner Deltason, whereas Divine Inanna’s Geraldton victory stays central to the continued investigation.
Racing WA has indicated stewards might once more think about whether or not Hayley’s licence must be suspended earlier than the inquiry concludes, relying on the end result of associated attraction proceedings and the progress of the case.
