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...
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
Vale, Danny Champion
The thoroughbred racing industry is in mourning following the passing of respected horseman Danny Champion.
Million-dollar Hour for Leung at NZB Ready To Run
Hong Kong bloodstock agent Willie Leung had a big hour at Karaka early on Thursday afternoon, spending more than $1 million to secure two well-credentialled colts at the NZB Ready to Run Sale.
Churchill Colt Pulls Off Stunning Pinhooking Result at NZB Ready To Run
Chad Ormsby has enjoyed plenty of racetrack success this year with pinhooks that he has been unable to sell at the Ready to Run Sale, but the multi-talented horseman had a very different outcome with the standout member of his 2024 Riverrock Farm draft at Karaka on Thursday.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Castelvecchio has gone from nowhere to somewhere during the course of this spring with three stakes-winners putting his name in lights and he had a promising three year-old colt salute at Hawkesbury on Thursday that has now won two of three starts.
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.
Ka Ying Rising connection draws Hayes team to Shamexpress at Karaka
With one of the world’s most exciting sprinters flying the flag for David Hayes in Hong Kong, it has been no surprise to see the trainer’s sons zeroing in on progeny of Windsor Park Stud stallion Shamexpress during the Ready to Run Sale at Karaka this week.
Arkansaw Kid Brother Sells for $520,000
A well-related son of Harry Angel provided a late highlight in the final hour of the 2024 NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka on Thursday when he was knocked down to a $520,000 bid from bloodstock agent Morgan Carter.
Blockbuster Sale as NZB Ready to Run Records Tumble
Expectations were exceeded at Karaka with tremendous results witnessed across two days of selling at NZB’S 2024 Ready to Run Sale, confirming the demand for proven racetrack results and quality New Zealand-prepared horses.
Sires With Winners - Thursday November 21
Here is the full list of 32 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.