Harness trainer Geoff Small has had a two-year disqualification imposed by New South Wales stewards over a positive drug test by Changeover overturned on appeal.
A judge sitting as an independent appeal tribunal in Sydney on Tuesday has upheld the appeal of Small, New South Wales Harness Racing chief executive Sam Nati confirmed last night.
Changeover, who won at Alexandra Park last night, has been reinstated as the winner of the Len Smith Mile, which he won at Menangle on April 26.
The horse returned a positive swab to the anti-bleeding drug tranexamic acid.
Details of the appeal have not been released, but lawyers for Small argued successfully over a point of law on the classification of the drug.
It is understood that harness officials in New South Wales will not appeal the ruling.
Small is appealing a six-month ban in New Zealand.
He faces a possible charge in Victoria after the pacer Zenad returned a positive test to aminocaproic acid earlier this year.
• Fritzy Boy has been scratched from the Higgins Challenge Stakes at Awapuni today after striking himself during track work on Tuesday.
Alby MacGregor, his Opaki trainer, said last night the 5yr-old had struck his hind leg, which had swelled up.
"It is nothing serious but he is not 100% and we don't want to take any risks with him," MacGregor said.
Fritzy Boy, who was one of the favourites for the $70,000 group three feature, looked to be returning to his best form after placings at his last two starts.
• Jessica Malcolm and Hamish Hunter have switched drives from those listed yesterday on the stable runners in the main race at Winton today.
Hunter will drive Russlands and Malcolm is behind Shamrocks in the Wairio Cup.
• Kiwi Ingenuity took her earnings past $500,000 when she led all the way to win the $100,000 Queen Of Hearts at Alexandra Park last night.
The 5yr-old has now won 11 of her 23 starts for stakes of $501,687.
She is trained at Leithfield Beach by Robbie Holmes for Hamish Scott and Dr Kim Lawson.
Additional information for meetings today:
• Waikato RC:
Riders:
Race 6: Murano - M Coleman.
Race 10: Mighty Devil - R Norvall.
Scratchings:Race 2: Spectacular Icon.
Race 4: She Rules.
Race 6: Sir Cayden, Shalaka, Sarah San, Suntory.
Race 7: Red Ric, Finn Olive, Flower Girl.
Race 8: Shi Kin Dance.
Race 9: Tonafun.
Race 10: Casual Joy.
Weather, fine; track, good (2); rail out 4m.
Manawatu RC:Rider:Race 5: Stormett - C Johnson.
Scratchings:Race 8: Lumination.
Race 9: Fritzy Boy.
Weather, fine; track, good (3); rail, true.
Wairio TC:
Drivers:
Race 8: Shamrocks - J Malcolm (j); Russlands - A Hunter.
Scratchings:Race 4: Boogie Night, Shoot No Blanks.
Race 5: Felicity Robyn.
Race 6: Felicity Robyn, Mayo Abbey.
Race 8: Diggers Rest.
Race 9: Del Sur.
Race 10: Suffolk Lady, Mach's Factor.
Weather, overcast; track, fast.
