BHA issue charges in first cobalt case

Northern Ireland’s Stephen McConville is the first trainer to face cobalt charges brought by the British Horseracing Authority.

McConville and his son Michael, the owner of Anseanachai Cliste who was withdrawn from the Cheltenham Festival, have both been charged and will front a BHA hearing on September 19.

The nine-year-old Anseanachai Cliste was found to have cobalt above the permitted threshold in a urine sample before he was due to run in the Foxhunter Chase.

The horse was withdrawn from the race by order of the stewards, with a BHA report stating they “could not be satisfied that the horse had been administered only normal feed and water on race day”.

Both McConvilles face charges over allowing or causing the administration, or conniving in the administration of prohibited substances; having such items in their possession on a racecourse on a race day; and attempting to obstruct the proper administration or control of racing specifically by deliberately misleading, or endeavouring to mislead stewards and/or a BHA employee.

Michael McConville will also have to answer whether he failed to act in the interests of the horse’s best health and welfare by administering substances, namely Adrenal Cortex, without veterinary consultation or advice.

The trainer issued a statement saying he and his son would co-operate fully with authorities.

“We have to date co-operated with the BHA and their team detailing with the issue and will continue to do so,” he said.

“We look forward to the conclusion of this unfortunate occurrence and will fully assist the disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority with their hearing, answer any outstanding questions and accept their decision on the matter.”

Anseanachai Cliste had won eight successive point-to-point races before his withdrawal at Cheltenham in March.