Brian Cox disqualified for 3-1/2 years

Wodonga trainer Brian Cox has been handed a 3-1/2 year disqualification relating to the use of steroids in his stable while his veterinary surgeon Robert Fielding has been fined $20,000.

The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board issued the penalties on Tuesday after upholding the stewards’ charges earlier this month.

Cox was found guilty of four breaches relating to the administration of the anabolic steroid Nitrotain to two horses on two occasions in August last year, which carries a mandatory minimum two years disqualification.

He could have been disqualified for a total of eight years, but the RAD Board outed him for two years in relation to one charge involving Minnie Downs to be served concurrently with one year of a two-year penalty relating to the other horse, Baby Jack.

Cox was also handed a 12 month term to be served concurrently for possession of the Nitrotain.

He was further disqualified for six months for manhandling RV stewards Dion Villella and Rhys Melville when the pair attended Cox’s stables in March, taking his disqualification period to 3-1/2 years.

The RAD Board ordered Cox’s disqualification not start until December 6, however he cannot start a horse in the interim.

Fielding, who is registered in NSW and supplied the steroid, escaped a warning-off for providing a false invoice but was handed a $20,000 fine and a reprimand.

Cox has until next week to decide whether to appeal.