Robert Smerdon blames bursting bladder for irregularity returned by steeplechaser Kirribilli Gold

Perth Turf Talk | Australian Racing | Fri 12 July, 2013

TRAINER Robert Smerdon has used the bursting bladder defence to explain a swab irregularity returned by his top steeplechaser Kirribilli Gold.

In what might be one of the most unusual proposals put to stewards, Smerdon said Kirribilli Gold's irregularity, involving a drug used to treat human heart palpitations, had arisen because a trainer with heart trouble and a desperate need to "go" had urinated in the horse's stall.

Smerdon floated Kirribilli Gold to Warrnambool on June 10, the night before she won a 3450m steeplechase.

Smerdon, who is in Japan inspecting yearlings, explained to Racenet that an unnamed trainer who stabled the grey mare had been "caught short" and relieved himself in the stall to be used by Kirribilli Gold.

Racing Victoria's compliance and regulation manager, Kane Ashby, and Smerdon confirmed an investigation into the irregularity - and the explanation for it - had begun.

Traces of the drug sotalol were discovered in a urine test taken from Kirribilli Gold, and Smerdon said the urine of the "caught short" trainer must have found its way into the horse's system.

Regardless of whether Smerdon's explanation is accepted, it is likely Kirribilli Gold will be disqualified as winner of the race.

Ashby was reluctant to comment, saying only that Racing Victoria was awaiting results taken from a reserve sample, which are due within a month.

The "caught short" episode is yet another drama for Smerdon, who has endured the most controversial 12 months of his career.

He was fined $10,000 last spring after stewards determined the Smerdon stable had intended to illegally treat Shewan on race day during the Caulfield Cup carnival.

Weeks later Smerdon was fined $10,000 and charged with bringing racing into disrepute over his go-between role in the infamous Damien Oliver betting episode.

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