Tribunal finds Aquanita eight all guilty

The five trainers and three stablehands charged in the Aquanita race day treatments inquiry have been found guilty.

Trainers Robert Smerdon, Liam Birchley, Stuart Webb, Tony Vasil and Trent Pennuto and stable employees Greg and Denise Nelligan and Daniel Garland were all found guilty under an Australian racing rule dealing with dishonest, corrupt or fraudulent, improper or dishonourable practices.

Victoria’s Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board chairman Judge John Bowman on Tuesday said there was a long-running systemic conspiracy to try to obtain an unfair advantage in more than 100 races over seven years.