Sam Kavanagh has been banned from super racing for nine years and three months plus a A$3,000 ($2,140) fine by Racing NSW, according to the Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH. The "Midsummer Sun inquiry," described by long-serving Racing NSW Chief Steward Ray Murrihy as "among the most complex investigations he has conducted," claimed its biggest victim when Kavanagh was issued with a "disqualification that will keep him out of the sport for nearly a decade, while five others embroiled in the affair also were hit with lengthy bans." Kavanagh was found guilty of 23 of 24 charges relating to the "systemic use of the prohibited substance cobalt, and for illegal raceday treatments." The penalty period ends on Aug. 20, 2024. Veterinarian Dr. Tom Brennan was banned for six years by stewards for "12 rule breaches including supply, improper conduct and false evidence." Brennan indicated his intention to appeal via Twitter on Monday, saying, "See you in court Ray (Murrihy)." The racing NSW inquiry also issued Aaron Corby, a practice manager at Flemington Equine Clinic, with a "three-month disqualification for false evidence." Harness racing identities John Camilleri and Mitchell Butterfield received lengthy bans after being found guilty of "giving raceday drenches to Kavanagh-trained horses." Racing NSW stewards also disqualified Midsummer Sun as the Gosford Gold Cup winner. The "amended placings" awards the race to the Kris Lees-trained Oriental Lady from Phrases and Multilateral (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 9/21).
