RV after life bans for Aquanita offenders

Counsel for Racing Victoria stewards has called for life bans for three of the offenders in the Aquanita case.

In handing down his submission on penalty to the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board on Thursday, Jeff Gleeson asked that trainer Robert Smerdon be disqualified for life and also fined $100,000 while registered stablehands Greg and Denise Nelligan be disqualified for life.

He added the RAD Board should disqualify the remaining five, trainers Liam Birchley, Stuart Webb, Tony Vasil and Trent Pennuto and registered stablehand Daniel Garland, for five years for offences relating to race day treatments.