Milk-shaking new evidence

New claims horses could be doped nearer racetime in 'milkshaking' scandal
BY PETER SCARGILL8:45AM 21 FEB 2018
Claims have emerged an alleged doping ring, which included multiple Group 1-winning trainer Robert Smerdon, became so capable of avoiding detection that they were able to dope horses within 40 minutes of running and potentially target Melbourne Cup contenders.

A series of text messages obtained by the Herald Sun appear to show Greg Nelligan, the box driver at the centre of the ‘milkshaking' scandal, communicating with trainers Liam Birchley and Smerdon over when and whom to give "top-ups" to.

These "top-ups" are alleged to be the administration of sodium bicarbonate (also known as TCO2) shortly before a race in a bid to gain an edge by reducing fatigue. It usually involves a mixture of baking soda, sugar and water being inserted via the nostril.

In one string of messages on the day before the 2015 Melbourne Cup, Birchley asks Nelligan: "Can u org a top up for tomorrow pls."

Nelligan responds: "Roberts [Smerdon] ordered 5, I'll need a wheelbarrow to carry them all." He then appears to suggest he has orders to do the same to two Melbourne Cup runners on the same day.

In another set of messages, this time between Nelligan and Smerdon, the pair are alleged to discuss doping Group 1 runner Mosheen shortly before the 2011 Thousand Guineas:

Nelligan: "Does Mosheen have a guard?"

Smerdon: "No. Want to topup her and Stoneblack only."

Nelligan: "Will do. 50 mins ok s Black."

Smerdon: "Only if they've tested him otherwise wait until 40 when the previous is due to be run."

Nelligan: "No test will wait.. Mosheen tested at 2 hours, go 40 again?"

Smerdon: "I'd say go whenever you like."

Smerdon, Birchley and Nelligan, trainers Tony Vasil, Stuart Webb and 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. All had links to the Aquanita Racing management company.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Giles Thompson, chief executive of Racing Victoria, said: "Racing Victoria's primary objective is to protect the integrity of the sport and to enforce the Australian rules of racing, ensuring both a level playing field for all and the health and welfare of all horses competing in Victorian thoroughbred races.

"We are committed to the highest levels of integrity to ensure that those in the minority who seek to breach the Rules of Racing and undermine our sport are detected, investigated and ultimately prosecuted."

two questions


is this cocktail bad for the horse?
is there a chance this happens in SA Racing?

At least they trying to win.

Sylvester wrote: two questions


is this cocktail bad for the horse?
is there a chance this happens in SA Racing?

.....old wives tale....up there with dosing arsenic in the 50;s and 60's ....procedure is invasive and risky....far better legal alkalizing agents that are far more effective....only thing is this is a cheap fix.....by putting in and removing a nasal tube is going to lead to more respiratory infections requiring more expensive remedies.....these Ozzies are truly baked between the ears for even considering this type of "doping" the only dope is the oke that thinks it can improve performance.... :S