Judgements on cobalt cases soon

TRAINERS Danny O’Brien and Mark Kavanagh, both found guilty of administering, or causing to be administered, the prohibited substance cobalt for the purpose of affecting performance, will find out their fates on January 19th. The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board will hand down their penalties on that date after hearing submissions from both parties, though both O’Brien and Kavanagh have indicated they will appeal the decision to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The hearing into Peter Moody’s cobalt case will resume in February.

Delicacy retired

STAR dual Group 1-winning mare Delicacy has been retired following her win in the Group 2 Perth Cup on January 2nd. The West Australian-bred Al Maher four-year-old led home a remarkable trifecta for owner-breeders Bob and Sandra Peters, though damaging both fore-tendons in the process has brought forward her retirement. A winner of 12 from 19, she completed the West Australian Oaks-Derby double, before adding the South Australian Oaks-Derby double to her palmarès in May.

Marquand lands Caulfield ride

CHAMPION British apprentice Tom Marquand takes his first ride at Caulfield on Saturday, as part of a month long visit sponsored by Sheikh Mansour that will see Richard Hannon’s 17-year-old charge riding out for the David Hayes and Tom Dabernig stable. “I’ve spoken with Oisin Murphy who was very successful out here and he’s taken it home and has ridden a lot of winners and Kieran Shoemark who is out here at the moment and they’ve both been helping me and giving me plenty of tips,” said Marquand. “I’ve never been to Australia before and that’s why I thought it would be a brilliant idea to come here and learn something new.”

Archer passes away

COOLMORE Australia has mourned the loss of Alan Archer who passed away on Christmas Day after a long battle with illness. “A talented and experienced horseman, Arch was a mentor to younger staff on the farm as well as a friend and trusted confidant to many,” said Tom Magnier. “His vast knowledge and careful, conscientious management was fundamental in the maintenance of the Coolmore broodmare band. His calm, measured approach to his work and his sharp sense of humour meant that he was unanimously a favourite colleague of all who worked with him. He will be sadly missed.”