AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has handed down punishments to seven harness-racing drivers and owners accused of providing a banned substance to horses.

WCSH-TV reported all seven were convicted of providing cobalt to their horses.

Cobalt is a banned substance that can boost the performance of horses. The substance can be harmful to a horse’s health, sometimes leading to death.

The punishments were a $2,250 fine and 450-day suspension for four people and a $1,250 fine and 270-day suspension for a fifth. Two others were fined.


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