Geoff Small's two-year ban overturned - he retains Len Smith Mile

Geoff Small's two-year ban overturned

Harnesslink News Room 07:17 PM 19-Dec-2009 NZT

Geoff Small

South Auckland harness racing trainer Geoff Small's two year ban imposed by New South Wales stewards over a positive drug test by his star pacer Changeover has been overturned on appeal. A judge sitting as an independent appeal tribunal in Sydney has upheld Small's appeal, which means he can keep training, New South Wales Harness Racing chief executive Sam Nati confirmed last night (Friday).

Changeover, a son of In The Pocket now retains the Len Smith Mile, which he won at Menangle NSW on April 26.

The horse returned a positive swab to the anti-bleeding drug tranexamic acid.

Details of the appeal have not yet been released, but Small's lawyers apparently argued successfully over a point of law on the drug's classification.

It is understood that harness officials in New South Wales will not appeal the ruling.

Small is currently appealing a six month ban in New Zealand and faces a possible charge in Victoria after his pacer Zenad returned a positive test to a different drug earlier this year.

Small was unavailable for comment at Alexandra Park last night but celebrated the decision with Changeover's victory in the $25,000 Majestic Horse Floats Free-For-All.

It was the 6-year-old's 27th win and first since April 26 in Australia.

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peter at 12:17 PM 19-Dec-2009 NZT

This will do enormous damage to the Industry. It now opens the door to all cheats to "go for it" as long as you have "a point of law on the drug's classification.".
How many times does this man have to beat the system before he is rubbed out of the sport, he will obviously make a fortune as an advisor to other drug cheats in his next career.

Don't forget he pleaded guilty in the first instance. That says it all.

Talk about rubbing your face in it

John Gillies at 03:32 PM 19-Dec-2009 NZT

My jaw has dropped. I simply cant understand that this bloke has been caught so many times on different charges can just be let free!!

It has to be time for all industry participants who are against Mr. Small to make a stance!

This unproven 'cheat' will get his well-deserves eventually, but at the same time he will be dragging this industry in the mud with him.

I feel sick at the pit of my stomach just seeing a photo of this bloke.

Kobe at 06:32 PM 19-Dec-2009 NZT

It looks like the NSW stewards have a large smear of egg on the face (s).
Their action in adding Tranexamic Acid to the list of prohibited substances, after the charge was laid ,was highly irregular- one could suggest "corrupt" if Sunday Star/Times inflammatory language is preferred.
And yes, Peter, it was reported that Geoff Small did admit to administering the substance as a therapy for the blood clotting problem which surfaced in Australia.
Qualified veterinarians of the highest reputation have stated that that T A should not be on any prohibited list for the obvious reasons.
Clearly a number of Small critics are in favour of having animals suffer, through lack of treatment.

Peter at 07:56 PM 19-Dec-2009 NZT

Thanks Kobe, you seem to be well informed on this subject. From evidence reported T A was regularly used in NZ by Small. The suggestion that the blood clotting problem surfaced in Australia could suggest other races may not be treatment free.
Given this is not the first time Small has been under the spot light for substances or his actions, how long before an Owner sues for lost prizemoney when a horse is disqualified. The industry doesn't need this type of image and I am sure many would have made comment after Changeover's win last night.
He didn't race like he was suffering.
Hope his stud career isn't effected by his blood clotting problem as you call it.
Small is making all others involved bleed with his actions

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