One of the major players in the Aquanita doping scandal, Greg Nelligan, will not be contesting the 123 charges levelled against him.
His counsel Paul O’Sullivan on Thursday told a directions hearing he had received notification from both Nelligans that they would be not contesting the charges.
However, there is no such legal term in Australia as "no contest" and they will still be noted as pleading not guilty.
However, while the Nelligans will not take part in one of the most talked about cases in the last half century, most of the accused pleaded not guilty.
Trainer Robert Smerdon who also faces over 100 charges will reserve his plea, according to his barrister, Tim McHenry.
However, McHenry told the directions hearing that his two other clients, Stuart Webb and Danny Garland, would both plead not guilty.
As well, counsel for another trainer, Tony Vasil, said that his client would plead not guilty as will Queensland horseman Liam Birchley.
Judge John Bowman said that the trial would commence on April 30 with all the cases being heard together.
The judge said that he was disappointed that so much of the evidence had leaked out to the media but could see no reason for the case not to proceed.
“This is not a jury trial.”
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