QUEENSLAND Racing stewards today continued an inquiry in respect to the running and handling of Baby Boom in race two the 3YO & Up Maiden Handicap 1000m conducted at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club on Sunday, January 3, 2010.

The trainer of Baby Boom at the time John Nikolic and jockey John Keating appeared before stewards today to provide further evidence to the inquiry. John Nikolic confirmed his long standing relationship with Alessandro Alaimo and admitted to contacting Mr Alaimo on the morning of the race, however denied offering any information in respect to the winning chances of Baby Boom on that day.

Nikolic also confirmed that he has an association with Neville Clements and provided evidence that Kevin McFarland is a friend of Mr Alaimo, however denied contacting either Mr Clements or Mr McFarland in the period prior to the race of Baby Boom at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club.

It was put to Nikolic that each of Mr Alaimo, Mr McFarland and Mr Clements were Betfair account holders and that they had derived substantial financial benefit from the failure of Baby Boom in the aforementioned race.

Nikolic indicated that he could offer no comment on that. Each of those parties were requested by the stewards to provide material to this inquiry and co-operate with the stewards investigations, however all declined to provide the requested assistance.

Nikolic further advised stewards that whilst he was not overly impressed with the trial of Baby Boom at the Gold Coast on December 22, 2009 in preparation of the event at the Sunshine Coast he was nonetheless positive in respect to the winning chances of Baby Boom given the opposition in the race on that day.

Jockey Keating confirmed that he had met one of the Betfair account holders of interest to the stewards in Mr Alaimo however denied having an association of any substance with that gentleman.

Keating further added that whilst he had contacted Mr Alaimo on the telephone on several occasions he had at no stage offered information in respect of horses trained by Nikolic.

Stewards advised the parties that Mr Neville Clements, Mr Alessandro Alaimo and Mr Kevin McFarland failed to provide material to this Inquiry and co-operate with the stewards in their investigations.

Accordingly all have been issued with a notice to show cause as to why they should not be warned off all racecourses in Queensland.

Should Queensland Racing Limited subsequently determine that these persons be warned off, all bookmakers including corporate bookmakers and betting exchanges will immediately be notified and formally requested that they desist from allowing these parties to wager on race meetings within Queensland.

Stewards advised John Nikolic and John Keating all evidence would now be considered and further action determined.

QUEENSLAND RACING STEWARDS' REPORT