Drug testing at an East Rutherford, N.J., harness racing track in has revealed high cobalt levels in two racehorses’ blood.

In a written statement on its website, The Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment said out-of-competition testing revealed an excessive amount of cobalt in the two horses’ blood. Cobalt was presumably used as a performance-enhancing substance, the statement said. As a result of the testing, two unnamed trainers were banned from racing at The Meadowlands; Vernon Downs, in Vernon, N.Y.; and Tioga Downs, in Nichols, N.Y., the statement said.

Also, as the result of its testing and consultation with veterinarians, racetrack administrators determined that cobalt administered to a horse in excess as a performance enhancing substance can be harmful, said the statement.

“When used in excess, the effects of cobalt can be, but are not limited to, cardiovascular issues, potential nerve problems, thickening of the blood, and thyroid toxicity,” the statement said