Prominent Perth trainer Meryl Hayley is contesting serious racing charges following an alleged discovery of an injectable product containing cobalt salts at her training property. The charges stem from a positive swab from one of her horses, Divine Inanna, which returned a prohibited cobalt reading after a victory at Geraldton on October 12 last year.
Investigators for Racing WA allegedly found Hemoplex, an injectable product containing cobalt salts, during a search of Hayley's premises on December 16, 2025. Cobalt is used to increase the production of red blood cells, which can enhance a horse's endurance and recovery by improving oxygen delivery to muscles. Excessive concentrations of cobalt are prohibited under the Australian Rules of Racing.
Hayley faces two charges. The first alleges she possessed an injectable product containing cobalt salts, contrary to Australian Rule 252A(1). The second charge alleges she presented Divine Inanna to race when the mare's post-race urine sample contained cobalt at a concentration exceeding the permitted threshold of 100 micrograms per litre.
The stewards' inquiry into the matter resumed this week, with further evidence heard before it was adjourned until August 13. Several witnesses provided testimony on Wednesday. The inquiry was adjourned to allow more individuals to be called on behalf of Ms. Hayley.
Hayley has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Her racing license was temporarily suspended earlier this year but was later lifted pending the outcome of related legal proceedings. The inquiry initially opened on January 5 and was adjourned later that month after Hayley entered not guilty pleas and requested additional time for submissions. Several delays have occurred since then.
Hayley, who has a career record of 157 wins from 1,600 starters, has been a notable figure in Western Australian racing. In the past 12 months, her stable prepared 18 winners from 141 starters, and this current season she has also achieved 18 winners with a strike rate of 13.5 percent. Her stable has had recent success with horses such as Deltason.
Racing WA stewards have indicated that they may reconsider the suspension of Hayley's license before the inquiry concludes, depending on the outcome of related appeal proceedings and the case's progress.