Blinkers On columnist Danny Russell reported that Chris Waller was fined $50,000 after a staff member applied an anti-inflammatory oil to his stayer Asterix on Melbourne Cup morning, a forbidden race-day practice, though the oil is over-the-counter and not performance enhancing. Waller was charged under AR 227(a) for conduct leading to a rules breach. “I respect the decision,” Waller said on Thursday. “I think everyone will have a review of their systems post-carnival. Everyone's doing their job, everyone's under pressure.” By contrast, Anthony and Sam Freedman were disqualified for a month after two of their horses were treated with nebulizers (a prescription-only medication) on race day. They were charged under the more serious AR 249, which carries a mandatory six-month ban except in mitigating circumstances.
A Racing Victoria spokesperson told the column the stewards noted differences including "the circumstances in which the breach was detected, the number of horses involved, the routes of administration, the products used and the potential to affect performance." Trainer Nick Ryan faces a more severe charge, possession of man-made EPO (Darbepoetin Alfa) under AR 250(a), after syringes were allegedly found in his car. Ryan has been stood down; his horses moved to other stables. A vet, Dr Luke Campbell, has not been charged. The Racing Victoria spokesperson said those inquiries "remain active" and declined to comment on potential wider investigations.
The dominance of Ciaron Maher and Chris Waller, who together won six of eight group 1 races during Cup week, including a Maher trifecta in the Melbourne Cup, has raised concerns about the health of smaller stables. But Russell noted the sport has historically evened out and that imposing limits could breach fair trade rules. Jockey Harry Coffey's ride on Shockletz in the Cup two days after collarbone surgery illustrated his bravery, though the horse finished fifth after a slowly run race.
Off the track, Moonee Valley Racing Club chair Adam Lennen said the club is open to discussions with the Melbourne Football Club about sharing a home base. The Valley, undergoing a rebuild, has room for two ovals and could host offices and a medical centre. The biggest obstacle is its north-western location. Separately, publican Andrew Lewis, whose family ran The Emerald hotel before stepping away from the pub game three months ago, may stand in the VRC board election this year or, more likely, next year; those nominated this year include Bill Guest, Nick Tzaferis, John Kanga, Justin O'Kane, and Claire Ewart-Kennedy.