According to a report, down-under trainer Geoff Small, who was recently handed a six-month suspension and $5,000 (NZ) fine, will not be going down without a fight -- albeit

it a delayed one.

A report by the Herald Sun states that his appeal against the ruling has been deferred until January 13 and 14, 2010. He has also sought a judicial review into the matter, which is to be considered by the High Court on February 1.

The fine and suspension stemmed from an October incident at Addington where Small apparently committed an act detrimental to the interests of harness racing and used an insulting, abusive word referring to New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club veterinary surgeon Corin Murfitt.

Click here to the read the Herald Sun article in its entirety.

(With files from Herald Sun)