Trainer Geoff Small cops two-year ban

Leading New Zealand trainer Geoff Small was disqualified for two years yesterday as Harness Racing NSW stewards sent a message that repeat offenders were not welcome in the sport. The Small-trained Changeover returned a positive swab to anti-bleeding drug tranexemic acid following his win in the Group 1 Len Smith Mile at Menangle on April 26.After three hearings, Small was charged under harness racing rule 190 parts one, two and four yesterday that he presented Changeover with a prohibited substance in his system in the Len Smith Mile.He pleaded guilty to the charge but had tendered during the inquiry the substance was prescribed by a New Zealand vet and argued it was therapeutic rather than performance-enhancing.Chairman of stewards Michael Beattie shocked Small when he delivered the verdict of a 24-month disqualification. Changeover was also disqualified from the race leaving Victorian pacer Smoken Up as the winner.Beattie said his panel had taken into account Small's appalling record in assessing penalty, which included four positive swabs since 2007."Repeat offenders will not be tolerated by the industry," Beattie said."Mr Small was well aware of the rules when he came here and had to abide by them."It is the second time Changeover has lost a Group 1 victory because of a positive swab. In 2007 he was disqualified from Sires Stakes three-year-old Final in New Zealand after testing positive to caffeine.Small refused to comment but his lawyer Paul Matters indicated they would immediately lodge an appeal.The disqualification came less than 24 hours after Small had a winning double on one of harness racing's biggest days, Breeders Crown finals day in Melbourne.He prepared Tintin In America to break a track record in the Group 1 Breeders Crown three-year-old colts and gelding Final and All Tiger to take out the Group 2 Breeders Crown Graduate Pacers Free-For-All.