Racehorse TALK

Racing and Sports
Tuesday, 2 March 2010: John Nikolic has decided to hand in his trainer's licence to Queensland Racing.

Nikolic and NSW country jockey John Keating are embroiled in an inquiry into the running and handling of Baby Boom at the Gold Coast in January.

The inquiry was opened after stewards established that a large volume of money was placed on the horse to lose with betting agency Betfair.

Baby Boom finished fourth as the $1.30 favourite in a Maiden Handicap (1000m) at Caloundra on January 3.

Chief steward Wade Birch has interviewed a professional punter in Melbourne who also acts as a commission agent.

Evidence was also taken from Nikolic regarding his association with a Gold Coast punter who has declined requests from stewards to assist in their investigations.

Nikolic, who moved to the Gold Coast late last year after a successful stint in Malaysia, told Brisbane radio on Tuesday that the inquiry had affected his family.

"I came back to enjoy training as a hobby but it hasn't been enjoyable lately and it's had a negative impact on my family," he said.