By Rob Young

It just isn’t possible to ignore what is now being called the Aquanita Inquiry.

Firstly, there is the sheer scale of the thing. There are 271 charges against five trainers and three stable employees under a variety of racing rules.

Secondly, there is the mountain of evidence that, apparently, shows the systematic use of text messages and coded instructions about “top ups”.

Thirdly, there is the video that was produced by stewards yesterday showing Greg Nelligan caught in the act of “topping up” Lovani on Turnbull Stakes Day last year.

But what is the silliest thing of all is the feeble attempt by Nelligan to tell the inquiry that the whole thing was his idea, and his idea alone, when the text messages between Robert Smerdon and himself show clearly that he was acting under instructions, accepting those instructions and administering the “top ups”.  Talk about taking the rap!

Nelligan and his wife, Denise, have simply pleaded “no contest”, are not attending the inquiry, and apparently, have left Victoria for parts elsewhere. It can only be hoped that anybody else in the racing world has better sense than to give them a job anywhere near racehorses, ever. They have copped a punishment, and the industry is better off without them.

But, only one of the trainers charged, Liam Birchley, has had the guts to front the hearing, so far, and he has said that he intends to give evidence in his defence later this week. What are we to think of the others? Will Stuart Webb, Tony Vasil and Trent Pennuto turn up? Have they anything to say about the whole thing? Or are we to assume that, in this case, silence is anything but golden? I don’t know if they are guilty, or not. But I do know that it’s only human nature to want to put up a defence if you believe you are not guilty.

So, we are left with a raft of negative evidence, the clear potential of all eight people being found guilty of being part of what the legal counsel for Racing Victoria has called “a knowing, brazen and systematic cheating ring” and a string of destroyed reputations and probably, livelihoods.

The really stupid thing about it all is that there is no definitive science that validates “topping up” as performance enhancing. “Topping up” is essentially the administration of bicarbonate to a horse via a stomach tube. Using a syringe, as Nelligan was caught doing, isn’t an efficient way of “tubing” a horse. But the scientific literature is not consistent on the subject of whether “topping up” with bicarbonate, or some mixture of bicarbonate and other stuff, makes a horse run faster, or run faster for longer, or just run longer. The question is simple. Why run the risks that these people apparently chose to run, when there is no certainty that what you are doing is effective? When you look at the results that have been published about the “topping up” incidents for specific horses, you have to think that it was all pretty stupid. The winning results just aren’t there.

The most dispiriting, and despicable, thing about the Aquanita Inquiry though has been the apparent complete lack of integrity shown by Robert Smerdon. It would be fair to say that, before this all blew up, Smerdon was a respected name in the racing business – back from Robert’s father’s time. It won’t be any more. Robert Smerdon has simply decided to throw the other people who have been charged under the bus by refusing to attend the inquiry. If Smerdon was the instigator and the ringleader, which will have to become clear as the evidence is revealed. Maybe he can’t be disqualified any more – he has handed in his trainer’s licence already – but if the evidence puts him in the frame, his attitude can only be viewed as dishonourable, and frankly, gutless.

The best thing that can be said about the Aquanita Inquiry is that, without Smerdon appearing to clarify it all, it looks like the thing will wrap up this week. But will the outcomes be fair, just and reasonable? Fat chance, when the person who knows where all the bodies are hidden hasn’t got the courage to face up to his apparent lack of integrity. I bet the others aren’t looking to have a beer with Robert anytime soon!