Victorian stewards open inquiry into alleged raceday treatment

Brad Waters - Saturday October 7

Racing Victoria stewards have opened an inquiry into the alleged raceday treatment of a Robert Smerdon-trained runner in Saturday's Listed Paris Lane Handicap (1400m) at Flemington.

A Robert Smerdon-trained runner is at the centre of a stewards' inquiry into alleged raceday treatment Photo: Darryl Sherer

Stewards have begun interviewing Caulfield trainer Smerdon and the Aquanita Racing float driver after receiving a report from the Compliance Assurance team about Lovani.

RV chairman of stewards Terry Bailey said the alleged treatment was of an oral nature and not an injection.

Various samples have been taken from Lovani and stewards ordered the four-year-old mare be scratched from the race.

More to follow...

Advertisment
More Reading...
Saturday's Valley run not the grand final for Lovani
Lovani has been a slight mover in the market but trainer Robert Smerdon suggests a cautious approach from punters looking for a betting lead on Saturday’s Dr Sheahan Plate (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
Exciting New Addition and 2024 Fees for Blue Gum Farm
Blue Gum Farm are delighted to welcome a new addition to their stallion roster for 2024 with brilliantly fast Exceed and Excel sprinter Oxley Road to join Sejardan and Flying Artie.
Best On Breeding
A sensational day of racing at Morphettville on Saturday with seven stakes races highlighted by the $1,000,000 Group 1 Sportsbet Australasian Oaks (2000m) and $1,000,000 Group 1 Sportsbet Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m).
Sires With Winners - Friday April 26
Here is the full list of 44 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Pedigree Watch – UK – 3YO Derby Hopeful
The Group III Bet365 Classic Trial (1m2f) was run overnight at Sandown with Godolphin unearthing a serious Epsom Derby contender by Dubawi.
I Am Invincible Colt Ikasara Makes Winning Debut
It would not surprise to see several future topliners emerge from Saturday’s ATC Bookmakers Recognition Day Hcp for 2-year-olds at Rosehill, which was fought out by three first starters.
The Stars Come Out at Sha Tin for Champions Day
The crowd will flock to Sha Tin on Sunday for Champions Day, which features three of the most popular horses in recent years: Golden Sixy, California Spangle, and Romantic Warrior.
Woodside Park Stud 2024 Fees Announced - Hypo Matings for All Stallions
Woodside Park Stud have confirmed fees on their six strong roster for this spring headed by new addition Benbatl (GB), a triple Group I winning sin of Dubawi, who won the Group I MRC Caulfield Stakes in 2018 and chased Winx home for second in the Cox Plate.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Trials were at Warwick Farm on Friday morning with five heats won by juveniles and they included some unraced youngsters by champion sires Snitzel and Written Tycoon as well as first season sire Yes Yes Yes.
Te Akau Look to Keep Almanzor Winning Run Going in Adelaide
Te Akau Racing’s Mark Walker was busy packing on Thursday morning as he readied himself for a trip to Adelaide to link up with a five-strong arsenal from the team’s Cranbourne base that will contest most of the major events at Morphettville on Saturday.