Dope scandal pair banned from Victorian race tracks

GREG and Denise Nelligan, both central figures in the infamous Aquanita Inquiry, have been banned from setting foot on all Victorian race tracks and training establishments after failing to front stewards.

The pair was scheduled yesterday to answer a second show cause notice stemming from their “no contest” plea at last week’s Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board directions hearing into Aquanita Inquiry.

Stewards were told the Nelligans would not appear at Racing Victoria headquarters yesterday, on legal advice.

Stewards immediately invoked provisions under Australian Rule of Racing 182, which effectively amount to disqualification until the RAD Board hears the matter, starting on April 30.

Stewards are continuing to investigate the Aquanita case and it is believed at least two other training operations, in addition to handlers already charged, are under scrutiny.

The wideranging Nelligan edict is “effective immediately and until the hearing and determination of the charges against them, Mr and Mrs Nelligan are now subject to conditions consistent with those that would be imposed on a dis- qualified person under AR182,” stewards said in a statement.

“This includes, but is not limited to, a ban on entering Victorian racecourses and training premises, and receiving any direct or indirect benefit from thoroughbred racing and/or breeding in Victoria.”

Denise Nelligan has been on full pay since voluntarily standing down from her role as an office worker for Aquanita Racing, now Neerim Lodge, in January. Under the stewards’ ruling, that income will stop.

Greg Nelligan was sacked in October after being allegedly caught administering a sodium bicarbonate “top-up” to Lovani on Turnbull Stakes day. The Nelligans face 139 counts of breaching racing rules. The couple is among eight people charged with 271 counts of breaching racing rules.