Racing Victoria charged eight licenced persons for alleged raceday treatment going back to 2010, among them trainer Robert Smerdon, Racnet.com.au reported on Tuesday. Stewards have leveled over 250 charges spread across the eight licenced personnel, with Smerdon charged with 115 regarding the alleged administration of alkalising agents to horses over a seven-year period. The inquiry started regarding the alleged raceday treatment of the Smerdon-trianed Lovani (Aus) (Lonhro {Aus}) at Flemington in October last year and grew to include other Aquanita Racing trainers and their stable employees.
Charged with being “a party to the administration of alkalising agents and/or medications to a horse or horses on a race day” between June 2010 and October 2017, Smerdon is joined by trainers Stuart Webb (three charges), Tony Vasil (7), Liam Birchley (3) and Trent Pennuto (4).The trainers, along with employees Greg (123) and Denise Nelligan and Daniel Garland will also face charges relating to the ongoing inquiry. Stewards charged the trainers with breaching rule AR 175(a) which states, “any person who, in their opinion, has been guilty of any dishonest, corrupt or fraudulent, improper or dishonourable action or practice in connection with racing” as well as being party to the administration of alkalising agents over various periods.
Among the additional charges facing Greg Nelligan, are: having “a syringe, needle, nasogastric tube or other instrument that could be used” in his possession in a vehicle used to transport a horse to a race meeting after catching him with a “modified syringe” at Flemington last October; and attempting to administer/administering sodium bicarbonate to Lovani 2 1/2 hours prior to her race at Flemington.
All of the cases will be heard by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board at a later date.
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