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Racing NSW Stewards yesterday (21 July 2025) conducted an inquiry into certification by the National Measurement Institute (NMI) and Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) of cobalt being present above the threshold in a urine sample taken from Huka Falls, prior to it competing in Race 1 (Maiden Plate, 1100m) conducted at Armidale on 27 February 2025.

Stewards considered a brief of evidence prepared by Racing NSW Investigator, Ms Nikki Burke which followed an unannounced inspection by Racing NSW Integrity officials of the stables occupied by licensed trainer Mr Stephen Dixon, the trainer of Huka Falls, on 25 March 2025.

At today’s hearing evidence was taken from Stephen Dixon and from Ms Amanda Dixon, the registered owner of Huka Falls, who assisted Mr Dixon at the inquiry.

Evidence was also taken from Dr Rose Bensley, Racing NSW Official Veterinary Officer, and Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory General Manager, Mr John Keledjian.

It was established during the inquiry that Mr Dixon had routinely included in the feed of Huka Falls a registered mineral supplement which contains cobalt. It was further established that he was feeding this supplement in excess of the manufacturer’s recommendation.

After considering all the evidence, the following charge was issued against Mr Dixon.

Charge – AR240(2)

The details of the charge being, licensed trainer Mr Stephen Dixon, did commit a breach of AR240(2) by reason of the following matters:

1. He is a licensed trainer with Racing NSW and was the trainer of Huka Falls when it was brought to Armidale Racecourse on 27 February 2025 for the purpose of participating in Race 1 (Maiden Plate).

2. Prior to the running of the stated race, urine sample N293516 was taken from Huka Falls.

3. Cobalt was certified in sample N293516 when analysed by two Official Racing Laboratories, namely the National Measurement Institute at a level of 125ug/L and Racing Analytical Services Ltd at a level of 112ug/L. Such levels being in excess of 100ug/L, the threshold excepted under Schedule 1, Part 2, Division 3 – Prohibited List B thresholds, part 11.

4. Cobalt is a prohibited substance as it:

a. either directly or indirectly has an action and/or effect on the nervous system, the musculo-skeletal system, the endocrine system and the blood system. Such substances prohibited under Schedule 1, Part 2, Division 1 – Prohibited List B, parts 1(a), 1(e), 1(f), and 1(i).

b. is categorised as a haematopoietic agent. Such substances prohibited under Schedule 1, Part 2, Division 1 – Prohibited List B, part 2(pp).

Plea: Guilty

Penalty

The following matters were considered in respect to penalty:

• Mr Dixon’s guilty plea

• His personal and professional circumstances

• His disciplinary record as a licensed trainer over some 20 years

• Principles of specific and general deterrence and what message is sent to the industry in respect to such conduct

• Purpose of issuing penalties as a protective measure for the image and interests of the Thoroughbred Racing Industry

• The likely source of the high level of cobalt being the exposure of Huka Falls to cobalt through the administration of a registered mineral supplement at a greater amount than is recommended by the manufacturer and which included supplementation on the morning of racing.

Stewards determined the appropriate penalty be a period of 12 months disqualification, however, having regard to the penalty considerations above, including his guilty plea, reduced the penalty to a period of disqualification of 8 months.

Stewards ruled that Mr Dixon’s term of disqualification should commence immediately and will expire on 21 March 2026.

Huka Falls - Placing

In accordance with the provisions of AR240(1) Huka Falls was disqualified from its 6th placing in Race 1 (Maiden Plate) at the Armidale race meeting on 27 February 2025 and amended the placings accordingly.

Relevant Rules

Division 2 – Prohibited substance in a sample taken from a horse

AR 240 Prohibited substance in sample taken from horse at race meeting

(1) Subject to subrule (3), if a horse is brought to a racecourse and a prohibited substance on Prohibited List A and/or Prohibited List B is detected in a sample taken from the horse prior to or following its running in any race, the horse must be disqualified from any race in which it started on that day.

(2) Subject to subrule (3), if a horse is brought to a racecourse for the purpose of participating in a race and a prohibited substance on Prohibited List A and/or Prohibited List B is detected in a sample taken from the horse prior to or following its running in any race, the trainer and any other person who was in charge of the horse at any relevant time breaches these Australian Rules.

Division 3 – Prohibited List B thresholds

11. Cobalt at a mass concentration of 100 micrograms per litre in urine or 25 micrograms per litre in plasma.

- S.G. Railton (Racing NSW-Senior Stipendiary Steward)