THE Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board on Tuesday found all eight defendants in the ‘Aquanita Eight’ case guilty. RAD Board chairman Judge John Bowman said the Board was in no doubt that all eight defendants, sharing in a total of 271 charges, were complicit in the administration of bi-carbonate “top-ups”.

Top of the tree was former trainer Robert Smerdon who choose not to appear at the hearings with a life ban possible.

Greg Nelligan, Denise Nelligan, Tony Vasil, Stuart Webb, Danny Garland, Trent Pennuto and Liam Birchley were also found guilty.

“This matter, the Aquanita case, involves probably the biggest scandal and the most widespread investigation in the history of Australian racing,” said Bowman.

“This was a long running, systematic conspiracy to try and obtain an unfair advantage in well over a hundred races over seven years. There is a litany of brazen attempts to cheat and to obtain an unfair advantage over many years by a well organised team.”

On Thursday, some of the harshest penalties ever issued in Australian racing history were given to the eight.

Robert Smerdon and his assistant and stable employee Greg Nelligan were given life bans. Stuart Webb was given a four-year ban while Tony Vasil received a three-year ban from the sport. Trent Pennuto, a trainer, was disqualified for two years.

Denise Nelligan, who alerted stewards to the contents of the pre-race treatments and is the wife of Greg Nelligan, was also given a life ban.

Driver Danny Garland received a one-year ban. Trainer Liam Birchley was handed a one-year disqualification.