Racing's cobalt saga has now claimed the careers of two more top thoroughbred trainers and a once-distinguished veterinary surgeon after the Racing And Disciplinary Appeals Board disqualified them on Wednesday.

Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Mark Kavanagh was given three years, fellow Flemington trainer Danny O'Brien four, and vet Tom Brennan five, All sat quietly as the sentences were announced.

The cobalt doping case is the biggest in Victoria's long racing history. In fact, the scourge has wracked the sport nationally since cobalt was first introduced from the United States three years ago.

Cobalt has now all but ended or threatened the careers of five Victorian trainers. Lee and Shannon Hope were disqualified for three and five years respectively last December.

To read the full article in todays Sydney Morning Herald click on this link.