Accused targeted band of runners for ‘top ups’ at 2015 Melbourne Cup carnival

NEW texts have revealed a string of runners were allegedly given ‘top ups’ on all four days of the 2015 Melbourne Cup carnival, including surprise Myer Classic winner Politeness.

AS the droves descend on Flemington in 2015 for Australian racing’s blue riband day, Denise Nelligan is nowhere near the famous old course’s swanky Birdcage.

Tasked with menial duties, she is on her way to deserted Caulfield stables as husband Greg tends to Robert Smerdon’s four Derby Day runners.

“I going to stables to do tomorrow’s colours (jockey silks). Why u have to stay there,” Mrs Nelligan asks.

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The reply comes in one word. Innocuous by itself, but in light of revelations of recent days, jolting.

“Topping,” Greg Nelligan texts, a reference to the alleged use of illegal sodium bicarbonate top-ups.

In an infamous circle of trust, Nelligan’s calling card is far more sophisticated than simply leading horses off floats and into mounting yards.

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He is, if Racing Victoria’s brief of evidence is proved against him, the key operative in pushing gallopers into the “red zone” by boosting their TCO2 levels above permissible limits within minutes of racing.

The target on Derby Day is the Group 1 Myer Classic over 1600m.

The markets suggest a win for Politeness is ambitious. Despite winning her two previous starts, the mare opens at $17, drifts to $20 before starting at $19.

Politeness powers home to win the Group 1 Myer Classic on Derby Day in 2015. Picture: Jay Town

Inside the inner sanctum, the odds are ridiculous. Ridiculously generous.

But there’s a problem. Greg appears to have been left out. So much for honour among thieves.

Denise texts: “Phil said Smerdy told me to put whatever I’ve got cos she won’t be beaten today. He tell u that?!”

Greg replies: “No.”

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Denise: “F---in asshole.”

Greg, ever loyal to his masters, shrugs it off and texts: “He wanted me to top it”, and, “I did it”.

Seemingly, if Big Boss is happy, so is the man who now faces 126 counts of breaching racing’s rules.

DERBY DAY BONANZA

2015 Derby Day, Flemington: Text exchanges between Aquanita Racing employee Denise Nelligan and stablehand Greg Nelligan.

Greg fronts up again on Melbourne Cup Day, having joked the previous day to Brisbane trainer and co-accused Liam Birchley he’ll need a “wheelbarrow to carry them all” — a reference to the five top-ups allegedly requisitioned by Smerdon.

Birchley wants assistance and so too, allegedly, does a trainer of unnamed Cup runners.

CLOSE ON STAKES DAY

Text exchange on 2015 Stakes Day, Flemington

In terms of results, it’s a barren day for the team. Of the eight runners, including Birchley’s Pop ‘n’ Scotch, only two Aquanita Racing charges run top four: Indarra and Motown Lil.

But Nelligan is back on the job on Oaks Day as Berisha salutes.

Denise is happy: “That was tough win.” Greg replies: “Top (up) win.”

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Text on Melbourne Cup Day, 2014, Flemington

Two days later, Greg channels Motown and one of the world’s most influential groups, except his reference to the Four Tops is far grubbier than harmonising.

“Are the 4 tops singing today?” he asks Smerdon, referring to Lumosty, Politeness, Ungrateful Ellen and Reldas.

Smerdon writes: “Yes please.”

Armed and loaded, the team is unleashed amid great expectation. Lumosty is a respectable sixth in the Group 1 Darley Classic.

Smerdon knew there was a big run in her. “Whatever she produces tomorrow is as good as she has got,” he predicted to media pre-race.

Politeness charges late and finishes a narrow second to Turn Me Loose in the Group 1 Emirates Stakes. If not for a couple of paddlers, she wins as stewards report said she “was held up for clear running behind Bow Creek and Arod”.

Robert Smerdon’s mare Politeness paid a juicy $19 when she won the Group 1 Myer Classic in 2015. Picture: Colleen Petch

Ungrateful Ellen runs fourth in the Group 2 Matriach Stakes (2000m). Stewards report she bounded at the start.

Reldas also finds trouble when second to Malaguerra in the Emirates Airline Handicap (1400m).

There is another stewards’ mention in dispatches: “Reldas — near the 400m switched in across the heels of Malaguerra to obtain clear running.”

Close but no cigar.