Race horse trainers accused of doping – messages exposed.
Some of the biggest racing figures have been accused of doping champion horses in a number of Australia’s biggest races. This may include the Melbourne Cup, according to texts messages obtained by the Herald Sun.
Exchanges in secret that were found by integrity investigators, show that two cup horses were doping targets in 2015, while up to six other horses in support races on the same day may have been illegally treated.
These texts highlight how a group of trainers and stable staff are alleged to have evaded Racing Victories security network for years to dope hopes with performance-enhancing sodium bicarbonate.
One major discussion between trainer Liam Birchley and stablehand Greg Nelligan, is believed to have referred to the use of “top-ups”, such as bicarbonate and other substances. This may have often been administered within minutes of competition.
The practice is an extreme violation of racing rules.
Birchley texts on Cup eve: “Can u org a top up for tomorrow pls,”
Nelligan responds: “Roberts (top trainer Robert Smerdon) ordered 5, I’ll need a wheelbarrow to carry them all”, before Birchley quips “You’ve got deep pockets”.
Nelligan then appears to reference doping two horses due to run in the Cup, texting:
“I’ll be walking funny, got two cup horses as well. Don’t tell Robert.”
Birchley says: “Mercenary!”, adding: “Which ones we backing.”
Nelligan texts: “Robert had me do one for the guy with the cup horses a few years ago so it’s not out of the circle of trust but I still don’t tell him.”
The exchanges provide the first real insight into one of the biggest alleged scams in racing history.
Some evidence show that Smeardon’s VRC Oaks winner Mosheen was illegally treated on racecourses before contesting Group 1 races.
And Smerdon’s champion hurdler Black And Bent is under scrutiny after major race wins in 2011-12.
Both horses are named in text messages.
Those who allegedly schemed joked at one point on how “hard it is to cheat” in Japan. Smerdon, Birchley and Greg Nelligan, trainers Tony Vasil, Stuart Webb and Mornington’s Trent Pennuto, stable employee Danny Garland and office worker Denise Nelligan were last month charged with a total of 271 racing offences dating back to 2010 over the alleged scam.
They have been charged with engaging “in a practice that was dishonest, corrupt or fraudulent” in that they were “party to the administration of alkalinising agents and/or medications to a horse or horses on race day”.
The Substance of concern that the accused have allegedly administered illegally the morning of a race and again at the track, is Sodium bicarbonate. This is also referred to as “milkshakes” or bicarb in the racing community.
The horses were allegedly given “top-ups” on the course. The alleged doping was carried out within an hour of competition. It is illegal for horses to be treated one clear day before racing.
In one text exchange between Smerdon and Greg Nelligan before 2011’s Group 1 Thousand Guineas, Smerdon appears to instruct Nelligan on timing and dosage.
Nelligan asks:“Does Mosheen have a guard?”
Smerdon texts: “No. Want to top up her and Stoneblack only”
Nelligan responds: “Will do”, then “50 mins ok s Black.”
Smerdon says: “Only if they’ve tested him otherwise wait until 40 when the previous is due to be run”
Nelligan confirms: “No test will wait”, before saying “Mosheen tested at 2 hours, go 40 again?”
Smerdon concludes:“I’d say go whenever you like”.
Mosheen finished second to filly Atlantic Jewel.
All of the accused have links, past or present, to Aquanita Racing, whose board currently includes businessman Peter Howell and Melbourne Racing Club chairman Mike Symons. There is no suggestion that either Howell or Symons had knowledge of any alleged doping. The accused have links, past or present, to Aquanita Racing, whose board currently includes businessman Peter Howell and Melbourne Racing Club chairman Mike Symons. There is no suggestion that either Howell or Symons had knowledge of any alleged doping.
Greg Nelligan’s alleged attempt to illegally treat Smerdon-trained mare Lovani at Flemington on October 7 last year, brought about the Aquanita inquiry.
Whilst champion mare Winx paraded before the Turnbull Stakes, Nelligan was caught allegedly administering a “top-up” to Lovani with a modified syringe.
Racing integrity officers claim that they had become so proficient at circumventing detection, even with the presence of integrity officials and CCTV. The accused were able to dope horses within 40 minutes of competition. The accused then backed the horses they were topping up.
Smerdon, Webb, Danny Garland and Denise Nelligan voluntarily stood down from their roles last month as Aquanita Racing was rebranded Neerim Lodge.
Birchley and Vasil have been conditionally allowed to continue training.
Racing Victoria said it had no comment given that the investigation was continuing.
Source: Herald Sun
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