Sadler accused of threats
RACING Victoria stewards say there is no scientific explanation for the elevated TCO2 reading which triggered Observational’s controversial scratching from Saturday’s Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.
Stewards adjourned two inquiries stemming from the gelding’s out of competition blood sample on Friday.
The first relates to the detected TC02 level of 36.4mmol/ l – a reading higher than the 36mmol/ l threshold allowed under the Australian Rules of Racing. The second relates to trainer John Sadler’s conduct in the stewards room.
Sadler is accused of making threats at chief steward Terry Bailey and Robert Cram.
Sadler allegedly made the comments before the running of the third race.
The conversation recorded by stewards.
Sadler is understood to have requested Observational be subjected to further testing, protesting his innocence.
“The horse was treated on Wednesday and Thursday and that is there for everyone to see,” Sadler told racenet.
“I have done nothing wrong and the horse was under the ( TCO2) limit anyway. But they scratched the horse and it’s wrong.”
Stewards interviewed Sadler and stable vet Dr Mike Tweedie before ordering Observational’s scratching from Group 3 1800m feature.
Evidence was taken from Tweedie and RV vet Dr Grace Forbes and “it was established was that the reported electrolyte supplementation of Observational does not provide an explanation for the raised plasma TC02 level”.
Bailey said: “These days we have rules where it is an offence to administer any alkalising agent to any horses within one clear day of the race.
“With the level the horse was at, and the sample was confirmed at 1.31pm ( Friday afternoon), there was no scientific explanation to explain why it was so high.
“Under the rules these days, we have had to scratch it.”
The two inquiries have been adjourned to a date to be fixed.
Sadler trains under the Aquanita Racing banner, along with Robert Smerdon.
Smerdon has stepped down as a director of the training group pending investigations into the alleged race- day treatment of his mare Lovani at Flemington on October 7.
Stewards allege a member of Smerdon’s team attempted to administer a paste to Lovani in a stall. In a letter to clients, Aquanita Racing chairman Peter Howell said Smerdon “has decided to stand down from the Aquanita board until it ( investigation) is completed”.
Howell said the Aquanita board “is unaware of any breaches” of rules. Fellow Aquanita Racing director and Melbourne Racing Club chairman Mike Symonds has been linked to the inquiry and has indicated he will co- operate.
There is no suggestion Symons or any other figure have committed any wrongdoing or will be charged.