Jamie McConachy cobalt case thrown out

Friday 28 August 2015, 11:53am

Jamie McConachy is the latest Queensland trainer to have his conviction and penalty for cobalt offences quashed because of a legal technicality.

Earlier this week Glen Baker had his two-year ban overturned and on Friday McConachy's 18-month disqualification was thrown out.

McConachy was disqualified for 18 months after Vandalised returned a higher than allowed cobalt level after winning the 2014 Rockhampton Cup.

Both McConachy and Baker applied to have their convictions and penalties quashed after three harness racing trainers on similar charges - Ken Belford, Trevor Lambourn and Shawn Grimsey - argued successfully argued that the tests for cobalt were conducted at a laboratory not accredited under the Queensland Racing Act.

Baker and McConachy said they were also covered by the decision involving the harness drivers.

The lawyer for both trainers, Matt Tutt, said Baker had resumed training and McConachy had been training on a stay.

"Both are very relieved and just want to get on with their business," Tutt said.

The decision does not impact on the other cobalt case currently active in Queensland regarding Toowoomba thoroughbred trainer Rochelle Smith who has not been charged as yet over alleged high cobalt levels in two of her horses.

Chief steward Allan Reardon said no date had been set to resume Smith's hearing but it would be soon.

– AAP

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