Robert Smerdon steps down as director of Aquanita Racing

ROBERT Smerdon has stood down as a director of training group Aquanita as a result of investigations into alleged raceday treatment of one of his horses, but continues to train at his Caulfield base.

ROBERT Smerdon has stood down as a director of training group Aquanita as a result of investigations into alleged raceday treatment of one of his horses, but continues to train at his Caulfield base.

Stewards allege a member of Smerdon’s team attempted to administer a paste to Lovani at Flemington last month. In a letter to clients, Aquanita Racing chairman Peter Howell said “has decided to stand down from the Aquanita board until it (investigation) is completed”.

TEXT MESSAGES KEY TO RACEDAY DOPING CLAIMS

NO SYMPATHY FOR RACING BAD EGGS

Howell said Aquanita was not certain when the stewards’ inquiry would be completed.

“The Aquanita board and its directors takes very seriously the compliance of all its businesses and related entities with the rules of racing and race day treatment and is unaware of any breaches of such rules.”

Trainer Robert Smerdon has stood down as a director of Aquanita Racing.

Another Aquanita Racing director, the Melbourne Racing Club chairman Mike Symons has been linked to the inquiry but he has denied any knowledge.

Howell also expressed disappointment with details regarding the inquiry being released prematurely in the media.

He said this “combined with ill-informed gossip and innuendo is concerning and disappointing.”