Racing: Small decision may be handed down today

Controversial trainer Geoff Small will face a JCA panel for the second day running in Christchurch today after the hearing of his latest series of charges was adjourned yesterday.

The two-man Judicial Control Authority panel sat for six hours before adjourning a hearing, started yesterday morning, until 11am today.

Small, already facing two separate drugs hearings in Australia, is defending two charges relating to the recent shock scratching of Changeover at Addington.

Changeover was pulled out of a New Zealand Cup lead-up race on veterinary advice after irritating a skin wound on his way to the races.

That outraged Small, who then pulled stablemate All Tiger out of the same race.

He was charged with an act detrimental to the interest of harness racing for not presenting All Tiger to race.

He was also charged with swearing at officials, namely the chief stipendiary steward and the Addington club veterinarian.

The JCA panel heard evidence from HRNZ yesterday and will hear Small's defence today.

That could result in a verdict today or a reserved decision that may not be known for up to a week.

Ironically, Changeover, who has not won a race in New Zealand since last season's New Zealand Cup, moved into $5 second favouritism for the great race yesterday.

Small is already training under a stay of proceedings after appealing a two-year disqualification handed down in Sydney after a positive swab returned by Changeover in April.