I believe the Graham finding highlights a disgraceful case of mismanagement. The stewards should have dropped the case immediately they were aware the chain of custody for the swab samples had been compromised. Any Council would withdraw a parking ticket for a failure in procedures, Queensland Racing Integrity Commission were aware the samples had been tested by an uncertified lab. Instead of dropping the case samples, or perhaps what was left of them, were then sent to another lab. No points of proof, no case but they spent huge amounts on legal fees and pushed on. The administrative tribunal's lack of knowledge of racing and adherence to procedures was shown up.
Darrell Graham could have just copped it on the chin but didn't. Good on him. Will QRIC be liable for Graham's legal cost? They should be liable for cleaning up a mess of their own making. I predict long standing cobalt charges might now be dealt with swiftly and some may be withdrawn. It's coming up 3 years since John McCarthy received 12 months but rhe wait in hearing his appeal is nothing compared to what Darrell Graham has been through.