It has been reported that the Ohio State Racing Commission and horsepeople’s groups in the state are working on developing limits on cobalt levels in racehorses.
An article by The Cleveland Plain Dealer has quoted OSRC Chairman Robert Schmitz as saying that "We believe because high levels of cobalt are a potentially fatal substance and detrimental to both the equine athlete and to racing, that this is an issue that simply cannot wait for other agencies to act."
The report states that the naturally-occurring level of cobalt in Standardbreds is 5.8 parts per billion (PPB), while the level for Thoroughbreds is 2.39 PPB.
The report explains the Standardbred horsepeople in the state want specific rules that pertain to harness horses, particularly. Therefore, the horsepeople are looking to have a different testing protocol, also based on the fact that a typical Standardbred racehorse races with more frequency than a Thoroughbred does. The article states that officials from the United States Trotting Association last year walked away from meetings on the topic because of the distinction.
The OSRC has brought in Dr. James Robinson – who has experience dealing with both breeds – as a consulting veterinarian for the commission.
(With files from The Cleveland Plain Dealer)