Charges Against Trainers Could Lead To Millions In Prize Money Being Returned

If the multiple charges against Aquanita horse trainers Robert Smerdon, Tony Vasil, Stuart Webb and Liam Birchley are proven, "millions of dollars in prizemoney could be returned" to owners, trainers and jockeys dating back to '10, according to Patrick Bartley of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The four trainers "face an aggregate of 128 charges." Racing Victoria officials confirmed that if the charges against the trainers are proven, the Racing Appeals & Disciplinary board "will determine whether the horses will lose" any applicable placings or prize money associated with such results. In "all previous drug cases when a guilty verdict has been determined," the horse lost the race and the prize money "was repatriated." Racing Victoria will consider if the eight charged racing identities "will be stood down pending a hearing later in the year" (SMH, 1/10).