Racing: Late transfer allows champ to star again

Disqualified trainer Geoff Small is granted a stay of proceedings pending his appeal against a two-year disqualification.

That means he can continue to train normally until his appeal is heard by the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal.

That could take several months.

Changeover won at the workouts yesterday under the temporary care of Small's brother, Ian.by Michael Guerin

Disqualified trainer Geoff Small's brother Ian took over as the trainer of Changeover yesterday - for about six hours.

But that was long enough for the New Zealand Cup winner to resume his career with a win at the Alexandra Park workouts.

After a crazy day in which harness racing officials were almost forced to ban Changeover and other Small-trained runners from starting at the workouts, they were all changed to Ian Small's name at the last minute.

And they will all change back today after Geoff Small was granted his stay of proceedings pending his appeal of the two-year disqualification he was handed in Sydney on Monday.

All of which means Geoff Small is free to train as normal again until his appeal is heard, which could be at least a few months.

Small was disqualified for two years on Monday as a result of Changeover's positive swab to tranexamic acid returned after winning the group one A$100,000 Len Smith Mile in April.

He lodged an appeal on Monday night and, as expected, was granted his stay of proceedings last night, meaning he can train until the appeal is finished, including having seven starters at Cambridge tomorrow night.

The question he and many racing followers will be wondering is how long with it take before the appeal is heard?

It has to go through the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal and indications are it could be at least two months before it is heard.

With Small almost certain to try and explore the legal options available to him, it would not surprise to see him still training under the stay of proceedings until after New Zealand Cup time in November.

That would outrage his many critics in the industry but racing's bosses hands are tied as the matter is now a judicial one.

The more immediate dramas started earlier for the connections of Small's horses engaged at yesterday's workouts, with a series of frenzied phone calls needed to rush through the paperwork changing open class stars like Changeover, Awesome Armbro and Zenad to Ian Small's care.

But once on the track it was business as usual for the NZ Cup winner as he showed his usual perfect manners to race clear of Awesome Armbro in the 2700m workout.

He pleased driver David Butcher by pacing his last 2400m in 3:4, the final 800 in 56.2 and looking fitter than at the same stage last season.

All three competed under Ian Small's name but their drivers were allowed to wear Geoff Small's racing colours.

All three will now be transferred back to Geoff Small today and are likely to remain in his care until the appeal process is finalised.

While there was plenty of drama surrounding the Alexandra Park workouts, there were also some big names on show at Ashburton.

Interdominion champion Mr Feelgood had his first public outing in New Zealand and impressed with a 54.7-second last 800m to finish second to Mr Molly in the main pace, with Report For Duty and Tribute also close up.