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Black Caviar trainer Moody facing three-year ban

Peter Moody is one of Australia's leading horse racing trainers © PA Photos

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The trainer of retired sprint star Black Caviar has vowed to "do everything possible" to clear his name after one of his horses failed a drugs test.

Peter Moody trained Black Caviar to a record 25 consecutive victories - including the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and 15 Group One race wins - but is now under investigation and could face a three-year ban after his horse Lidari tested positive for an elevated cobalt level.

The horse returned a positive sample following a race at Flemington, Melbourne, last October and Moody, one of Australia's leading horse trainers, will now have to appear before the Racing Victoria stewards in the near future.

Moody said in a statement: "I am devastated to be informed by Racing Victoria stewards that one of my runners has tested positive to a banned substance during the 2014 spring carnival.

"I have no knowledge or understanding as to how this could occur and will work with Racing Victoria Integrity Services Department to bring this matter to a conclusion as soon as possible.

"I take great pride in my role in thoroughbred racing in Victoria and strive to manage my business and support my wonderful group of owners and staff with the highest levels of honesty and professionalism. I will continue to pursue this goal over the next few months and do everything possible to clear my name.

"In respect to the proceedings that will follow this announcement, I will make no further comment until its conclusion."

Cobalt is thought to have similar effects to the blood-doping drug EPO. Racing Victoria stewards said the urine test taken from Moody's horse contained the drug in excess of 200 micrograms per litre.

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