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10 November 2017
Symons: I have nothing to hide
Melbourne Racing Club chairman Mike Symons says he is 'angered and distressed' at being 'dragged into' an apparent doping scandal.
"I have absolutely nothing to hide. I told (chief steward) Terry Bailey he could have my phone, my records, the lot. I know absolutely nothing of any alleged doping of horses. I am utterly distressed that I've been dragged into it."
Symons, a director of Aquanita Racing for 12 years, and also director of the company that employs trainer Robert Smerdon, confirmed he and other Aquanita directors had been advised by stewards that they would be required to be interviewed.
He said he believed the directors would be the 'last cabs off the rank because I believe stewards still have to interview a number of people and also some who haven't yet been available'.
Stewards have given no details of the nature of the inquiry, other than to indicate that it is ongoing. It is unclear if it will be resolved within weeks or continue into the New Year.
They are believed to be investigating a possible doping ring that might involve as many as seven trainers.
The investigation follows the recent race-day treatment probe involving Smerdon and his mare Lovani.
Stewards scratched the horse from a race on Turnbull Stakes Day, alleging she had been illegally treated with a paste.
Smerdon, his float driver Greg Nelligan and a strapper were interviewed on the day. It is believed the paste has been confiscated and is being tested.
Smerdon did not return calls from Racing.com on Friday, sending a text message: "Sorry I can't talk right now."
Stewards are believed to be in possession of text messages taken from a phone confiscated from an Aquanita float driver. They are believed to reveal information about horse doping and related betting activity.
[b]Symons, who said it was well known that he was a punter,[/b] said he would have informed stewards immediately had he ever suspected illegal practices in the training of horses at Aquanita.
"It was our duty as board directors to ensure our trainers were at all times compliant and aware of the rules. I'm not pre-judging anything and I hope this inquiry comes sooner or later. All I'm saying is me, and the board, have no knowledge of any improper behaviour," he said.
"I am extremely distressed that my name has popped up in this. I am distressed that information from what should have been a closed inquiry has become public, given the only people that knew of it were our directors, contacted by email."
Symons said he challenged Bailey about possible leaking of sensitive information.
"He just said the more wide-ranging the inquiry becomes, the greater the possibility of it getting out," he said.
"I just want this dealt with. I have nothing to hide and will answer any of their questions."
Symons said it had long been proposed that he would relinquish the chairmanship of the MRC early next year as 'part of our normal transitioning process' but said he would not resign for the 'wrong reasons'.
"Once this mess is dusted up and my stated position is proven, there would want to be a decent gap between that and any decision that was made regarding the MRC. I would hate for anyone to think they were in any way connected," he said.
OK then if you say so ..
Symons: I have nothing to hide
Melbourne Racing Club chairman Mike Symons says he is 'angered and distressed' at being 'dragged into' an apparent doping scandal.
"I have absolutely nothing to hide. I told (chief steward) Terry Bailey he could have my phone, my records, the lot. I know absolutely nothing of any alleged doping of horses. I am utterly distressed that I've been dragged into it."
Symons, a director of Aquanita Racing for 12 years, and also director of the company that employs trainer Robert Smerdon, confirmed he and other Aquanita directors had been advised by stewards that they would be required to be interviewed.
He said he believed the directors would be the 'last cabs off the rank because I believe stewards still have to interview a number of people and also some who haven't yet been available'.
Stewards have given no details of the nature of the inquiry, other than to indicate that it is ongoing. It is unclear if it will be resolved within weeks or continue into the New Year.
They are believed to be investigating a possible doping ring that might involve as many as seven trainers.
The investigation follows the recent race-day treatment probe involving Smerdon and his mare Lovani.
Stewards scratched the horse from a race on Turnbull Stakes Day, alleging she had been illegally treated with a paste.
Smerdon, his float driver Greg Nelligan and a strapper were interviewed on the day. It is believed the paste has been confiscated and is being tested.
Smerdon did not return calls from Racing.com on Friday, sending a text message: "Sorry I can't talk right now."
Stewards are believed to be in possession of text messages taken from a phone confiscated from an Aquanita float driver. They are believed to reveal information about horse doping and related betting activity.
[b]Symons, who said it was well known that he was a punter,[/b] said he would have informed stewards immediately had he ever suspected illegal practices in the training of horses at Aquanita.
"It was our duty as board directors to ensure our trainers were at all times compliant and aware of the rules. I'm not pre-judging anything and I hope this inquiry comes sooner or later. All I'm saying is me, and the board, have no knowledge of any improper behaviour," he said.
"I am extremely distressed that my name has popped up in this. I am distressed that information from what should have been a closed inquiry has become public, given the only people that knew of it were our directors, contacted by email."
Symons said he challenged Bailey about possible leaking of sensitive information.
"He just said the more wide-ranging the inquiry becomes, the greater the possibility of it getting out," he said.
"I just want this dealt with. I have nothing to hide and will answer any of their questions."
Symons said it had long been proposed that he would relinquish the chairmanship of the MRC early next year as 'part of our normal transitioning process' but said he would not resign for the 'wrong reasons'.
"Once this mess is dusted up and my stated position is proven, there would want to be a decent gap between that and any decision that was made regarding the MRC. I would hate for anyone to think they were in any way connected," he said.
OK then if you say so ..
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"I have absolutely nothing to hide. I told (chief steward) Terry Bailey he could have my phone, my records,
But not my betting partners/ or other associated persons. These guys think others are stupid! But he offered therefore off the hook -- |
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Anyone familiar with Henry's observations of horse's runs beyond
1. normal physiology of a horse/ 2. horses that run like a demon possessed will be well aware of some of the seven trainers being investigated.  |
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Luckily officialdom isn't commenting on the matter
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What member of the Forum could not be familiar with henery's observations of pharmacy assisted horses?
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Charges were issued under the Australian Rules of Racing against the following licensed or registered personnel:
• Mr Robert Smerdon (trainer) • Mr Greg Nelligan (stable employee of Mr Smerdon and former employee of Mr Vasil) • Mrs Denise Nelligan (stable employee of Mr Smerdon and former employee of Mr Vasil) • Mr Stuart Webb (trainer and employee of Mr Smerdon) • Mr Daniel Garland (employee of Mr Smerdon) • Mr Tony Vasil (trainer) • Mr Trent Pennuto (trainer and former employee of Mr Vasil) • Mr Liam Birchley (trainer) Mr Liam Birchley has been issued the following charge: Charge One: AR 175(a) AR 175 The Principal Racing Authority (or the Stewards exercising powers delegated to them) may penalise: (a) 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. The particulars of the charge are: On three occasions, on 3 November 2011, 6 November 2012 and 3 November 2015, Mr Birchley engaged in a practice that was dishonest, corrupt or fraudulent, improper or dishonourable, in that he was a party to the administration of alkalinising agents and/or medications to a horse or horses on a race day. |
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this looks huge
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Huge if they could get past a certain p.o box in Cagayan(but that won't happen)and i never said that lol
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