Officials with the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club are worried that the recent fine and suspension of trainer Geoff Small will overshadow the $1 million New Zealand Trotting Cup, which will be contested Tuesday
, November 10.
“We've got the biggest day in New Zealand racing tomorrow and we don't want to see a matter involving the JCA (Judicial Control Authority) and Geoff Small overshadow or impact upon the greatest day in New Zealand racing,” Shane Gloury, of the NZ Met Trotting Club, was quoted as saying in an article on 3news.co.nz.
The report states that Small, who won last year's edition of the Trotting Cup with Changeover, today received a six-month suspension and $5,000 fine. The article says that Small will be able to take part in tomorrow's race to defend his crown.
The action came after Small -- who has multiple violations throughout his career -- was found guilty of acting in a way detrimental to racing.
"He abused the vet and made insulting comments to the chief stipendiary steward, and he also scratched All Tiger from the same race," Edward Rennell of Harness Racing New Zealand was quoted as saying.
Click here to the read the 3news.co.nz article in its entirety.
(With files from 3news.co.nz)