Peter Moody will consider his options after being suspended for 12 months on cobalt related charges at the conclusion of the Lidari inquiry.
Peter Moody was suspended for 12 months at the conclusion of the RAD board Lidari cobalt enquiry on Thursday. Photo: Darryl Sherer
Moody has been suspended from training racehorses for 12 months, six of those suspended, due to commence at midnight March 24.
Lidari tested above the allowable 200 microgram per litre threshold for cobalt after running second in the Group I Turnbull Stakes during the 2014 Melbourne spring carnival and has been disqualified from that race.
Jeff Gleeson QC, counsel for Racing Victoria stewards, had asked the Racing and Disciplinary Board to impose a two-year disqualification on the trainer at the end of submissions.
“We consider a suspension appropriate. This is a gentleman who needs to be sent a clear message,” Gleeson told the board.
Moody was cleared of intentionally administering cobalt to affect a racehorse’s performance, which would have carried a mandatory minimum three-year ban.
Moody said he was prepared for the worst but disappointed at the outcome.
“Obviously I’m very disappointed, a bit numb really,” Moody said.
“Twelve months suspension with six suspended – it gives me a possibility of saving my business in some way shape or form.
“I’ll go home, I’ll have a chat with my wife and family and legal team before I decide the next step.”
Moody had a private conversation with Racing Victoria chief steward Terry Bailey immediately after the verdict and said he is unlikely to appeal the suspension.
“I’ve always indicated strongly that I won’t go through an appeal process. I want this matter ended today,” Moody said.
“Going forward, we’ve got seven days to sort something out, we’ve got some 300 horses on our books, a lot of clients to meet and discuss options with.”
Moody did not dismiss the option of a licenced person taking over the running of his stable while he sits out the suspension.
“My wife races some 70 horses so there probably aren’t many bigger owners in Victoria other than her,” Moody said.
“It’s a decision we’ll make collectively and she’ll have to make a decision on what she does with her horses or ultimately what we do collectively and put something to the clientele at Moody racing with a view to whether it can be held together for a six-month period.”
Moody said he had taken on board criticism and already instigated better practice within his stable.
“My love of racing has not been diminished. Some practices within my stable have been called into question and I think we’re all open to improving practices and that involved probably Racing Victoria, the integrity department, myself and the media,” Moody said.
“This is a great bloody industry and unfortunately every bastard finds the negatives.
“I’d like to think that I’ve had a great career. Racing’s been terrific to me, I think there is an opportunity for it be terrific to me again. If I had got disqualified I’m unemployable.
“I want to go out on my terms and not somebody else’s – that’s not what has happened here today.
“I’ve certainly got the desire, I can’t wait for my next winner – I hope it’s tomorrow.”
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