Waller declares innocence after horse tests positive for ice
CHRIS Waller has declared his innocence after one of his horses tested positive for ice last week.
The champion trainer has stated that both himself and his staff have been tested for traces of the drug with the initial tests coming back clean.
Waller is working with stewards, which will likely open an inquiry if the B-samples come back positive in the coming week.
“There is a trace showing to what is likely to be ice,” Waller said.
“We are working closely with stewards to work out if it has happened, how it may have happened and whether it is something coming from my staff or whether it is an outside contamination.
“The problem with ice is there is no threshold and if there is a trace there we need to find out where it has come from.”
It has been stated that the contamination could have gone from a staff member who had contact with ice, but Waller believes that to be the unlikely cause.
“It is unlikely because initial screenings are suggesting no, that’s a fact,” Waller said.
“All staff in that section or that had anything to do with the horse have been tested.
“Initial screenings are suggesting there is nobody, including myself and my forepersons.
“(We are conducting) tireless investigations to where it could have possibly come from.”
Chris Waller is almost a shoe-in to win the NSW Trainers’ Premiership this season, but punters can get on the marker without Waller.
John O’Shea is a man in form for Godolphin and he’s currently $1.65 at Sportsbet to win with Waller in the market.
Rodd wearing blue for Origin series
Michael Rodd is a four-time Queensland Champion Apprentice, but the now senior jockey will be representing New South Wales in the upcoming Origin Series.
Rodd will return from Singapore to ride at a twilight meeting at Doomben before riding in the series at Eagle Farm on December 10.
“It’s going to be great to represent New South Wales,” Rodd said.
“I love Queensland and there’s no doubt that’s where I will eventually retire, but I’m a born-and-bred New South Welshmen. I’m no Greg Inglis and I will definitely be riding for the Blues. Watching the State of Origin series the last decade has done my head in.”
The series is held over three Saturday’s – with the final meeting on January 7. The timing is right for Rodd as the Singapore season ends the week prior.
“Our season ends the week before and I’m really excited about it,” Rodd said. “I was approached last year, but it just didn’t work out, so it will be good to have another spin around those two tracks.
“I know they are getting together a really good group of jockeys this year and I’m looking forward to being able to showcase Queensland racing.”
Williams confident about Gold Cup chances
Craig Williams will ride He Or She in Saturday’s Group 1 Railway Stakes at Ascot and he will be riding the Stephen Gray-trained Bahana in the Singapore Gold Cup the following day.
Bahana is a six-time winner from 12 starts and fellow Australian rider Vlad Duric recommended Williams for the ride after he couldn’t accept at the light weight.
“Vlad Duric made a mention to me. He saw I was riding light during Melbourne Cup week and over in Hong Kong (last Sunday) and he actually recommended me for the ride at the weight,” Williams said.
“He’s got a lot of time for the horse.
“He put my name up for the ride and I was lucky enough that obviously his recommendation got me over the line. So I’m really looking forward to it.”
Williams has won the Railway Stakes with Gathering in 2010 and Good Project last year. He will return to ride He Or She which is currently $15 at CrownBet.com.au.
Co-trainer David Hayes said the intention of a tough Melbourne spring carnival was to have He Or She fit for Perth.
“He’s had a month off and seems really bright and well,” Hayes said.
“We’ve always had Perth in mind and to have him peaking for these two races.
“He’s 50 per cent owned over there and has a good record at Ascot so he’s the logical horse to take over.”