Williams slams RV silence

LLOYD Williams has urged Racing Victoria to publicly support integrity chiefs Dayle Brown and Terry Bailey as investigations continue into an alleged widespread doping scandal involving a number of stables.

A probe surrounding the sensational claims stems from the alleged race-day treatment of Robert Smerdon’s Lovani at Flemington last month.

No charges have been issued but racing is awash with rumours a number of highprofile figures, including Melbourne Racing Club chairman Mike Symons could be questioned by integrity staff.

There is no suggestion Symons, a director of Aquanita Racing which employs Smerdon, or any other figure have committed any wrongdoing.

But the scope of the case is believed to be far-reaching with the potential with huge ramifications.

Evidence has already been taken from a number of licensed personnel, including float driver Greg Nelligan, and several trainers based at Caulfield and on the Mornington Peninsula.

With the probe still at an early stage, and charges potentially some months away, Bailey has come under heavy fire from within the industry.

Those criticisms have irked Williams, who says RV’s board and chief executive Giles Thompson hasn’t provided the “correct support”, speculating the lack of backing was a reason Brown will soon leave the organisation.

“I don’t believe Messrs Brown and Bailey have got the correct support,” Williams, the most successful owner in Melbourne Cup history, said. “There are all sorts of rumours flying around. What racing needs is for the management and particularly its integrity management to be fully supported.

“In the old days, Jim Ahern, the chief steward, Pat Lalor, the chief steward, people like Peter Armytage, as chairman of the VRC, would stand up for the stewards. But I haven’t seen anyone standing up for them (the stewards).”