ALBANY (AP) — New York’s Gaming Commission says it has suspended six harness racing trainers after finding high levels of cobalt in horses’ blood.
The commission says high doses of cobalt salts can enhance athletic performance and also cause accelerated heart rates, high blood pressure and heart arrhythmias.
Low levels of the naturally-occurring element are found in horses.
The commission says trainers Tyler J. Nostadt, Joseph Carrubba, Dennis M. Washington, Sean M. Campbell, Megan M. Gilmour and Dawn M. DeVaux have been suspended for alleged violations at Monticello Casino and Raceway, Saratoga Casino and Raceway and Yonkers Raceway in March.
They will be provided a hearing to defend themselves before final rulings.
The commission says affected horses have been disqualified pending “clean” blood tests and purses ordered returned.
