Racehorse owner 'used codes to direct drug smuggling ring', court told

A court has been told one of Sydney’s leading horse race owners used a secret phone and coded language to direct a multi-million dollar cocaine smuggling ring.

The police allegations were raised today, as 47-year-old Damion Flower applied for bail after being arrested and charged last week with five counts of commercial drug importation.

Flower, Sydney airport baggage handler To Oto O Junior Mafiti, and Ashoor Youkhana were allegedly part of an international syndicate importing cocaine worth tens of millions of dollars.

Central Local Court was told a falsely subscribe phone was activated by Flower to communicate with his co-accused.

Police alleged text messages which included “check the weight of the jockey” was code language, relating to drug pick-up in a restricted area of the airport.

Flower, whose best known horse, super-stallion Snitzel, now earns $40 million a year at stud, has denied the charges.

His lawyer Chris Watson told the court the incomes of 50 people who Flower co-owns horses with could be put at risk if he’s kept in custody.

Flower's ex-wife Camilla took the witness box, informing the court their two daughters were both sick and were in hospital regularly.

She, along with two other family members, were willing to put up their homes as surety for up to $3 million bail.

The magistrate will hand down his decision on whether to grant bail tomorrow afternoon.