It has been reported that trainer Dean Atkinson has been handed a 10-year ban from the sport of standardbred racing. He is the first harness racing licensee that has been penalized in regard to the swabbing scandal, which has been front and centre in the Down Under racing scene

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An article by The Sydney Morning Herald explains that Atkinson will also have to repay $6,584 in prize-money that his stable earned from races in question.

Atkinson has also been formally charged by the police in regard to the swabbing scandal. He has pleaded guilty in regard to the charges and faces sentencing this month.

Atkinson has pleaded guilty to paying-off racing officials to ensure that his horses would not be drug tested after particular races.

(With files from The Sydney Morning Herald)

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