Australian trainer banned for nine years Trainer Sam Kavanagh has been disqualified for nine years and three months after Racing New South Wales stewards announced their findings into a long-running cobalt saga which has rocked Australian racing. Kavanagh has been at the centre of the inquiry after his ill-fated stayer Midsummer Sun, formerly trained by Sir Henry Cecil, returned a positive test to caffeine and cobalt after his Gosford Cup win in January. The young trainer was found guilty of 23 of the 24 charges held against him, with his suspension back-dated to May 20 - when Kavanagh initially had his trainer's licence suspended. His disqualification will expire on August 20, 2024, but it is thought likely he will appeal the decision, according to reports in Australia.
