Victorian stewards open inquiry into alleged raceday treatment

Brad Waters - Saturday Oct 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.

Advertisement
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...
Sires With Winners - Tuesday November 10
Here is the full list of 16 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
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.
Remembering Sunline – The Queen of the Cox Plate Before Winx
From our vantage point in 2026, we can look back at modern Cox Plate history and marvel at how quickly the years are passing.
2027 Golden Slipper Entries – Sortable Sale Mail – Find Out More
The new season is nearly upon us and that means all over the country a new crop of rising two year-olds are taking baby steps in the best stables in the land with the Australian Turf Club announcing this week they had received 1881 entries for the 2027 Golden Slipper, so who is in the race?
Inglis Digital Purchase Iron Hawk to Tackle G3 TAB Mile
Harness racing trainer Barry Purdon bought Iron Hawk last year with New Zealand Cup Week in mind, and now the moment has arrived, with the stakes performer set to tackle the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) at Riccarton on Wednesday.
Racing Industry Mourns Much Loved Izzy Neale
The thoroughbred racing industry is devastated tonight following news that apprentice jockey Izzy Neale, aged 22, has tragically died as the result of a race fall at Warren on Sunday.
Darley Announce 2027 European Fees -Night of Thunder Soars to €450,000
It will be Dubawi central at Darley in 2027 with the legendary 24YO sire priced at £350,000, but the roster is topped by his champion son Night of Thunder at €450,000 and there are three more G1 winning sons or grand-sons of Dubawi also added to a power packed roster.
Southern Highlands Thoroughbred Week is Out of the Gate!
Celebrating 140 years of racing and thoroughbred culture, Southern Highlands Thoroughbred Week presented by GROW Southern Highlands will span three weekends, from 19th November to 6th December.
Haras d'Etreham Set Fee for Hotazhell
Triple Group I winner Hotazhell will begin his stallion career at Haras d'Etreham in France at a fee of €15,000 next year before then shuttling to Widden Stud in Australia.
Frankel Heads Juddmonte Euro Roster at £350,000
Fresh from siring outstanding young stayer Point of Law (GB) to win the $10m Group I VRC Melbourne Cup, champion sire Frankel will again top the roster at Banstead Manor Stud for Juddmonte.