By: Ray Thomas, Racing Editor/The Daily Telegraph
TRAINER Steve Farley of Sincero fame has had his appeal dismissed against a 12-month disqualification imposed after his filly Di’s Diamond returned an elevated cobalt reading after finishing unplaced in a race at Taree back in February.
The Racing NSW Appeals Panel on Friday dismissed Farley’s appeal and confirmed the trainer’s year-long ban. Farley’s penalty is effective immediately and means he must transfer all horses in his stable to other trainers before they can race again.
Farley becomes the fifth trainer to be banned for cobalt offences. Kevin Moses and Wayne Lawson also incurred 12-month bans, although the latter has appealed his penalty.
The cobalt saga began last year with the disqualification of Newcatle trainer Darren Smith for 16 years, while Sam Kavanagh was given six years and three months ban.
