KEY POINTS:
One of racing's longest running dramas could finally reach its conclusion today.
The series of charges laid by Harness Racing New Zealand against leading trainer Geoff Small will all be heard in what could be a marathon JCA session in Auckland.
The first of the charges date back to New Zealand Cup day two years ago when Changeover returned a positive to caffeine after winning the Sires' Stakes Final, while stablemate Winforu did the same after running down the track in the New Zealand Cup.
Small also has less important charges relating to irregularities over commonly-used substances like Boost and DMSO accrued in the last two years which will only result in minor fines if he is found guilty.
The most contentious case involves Small's drive behind Pocket Baileyship in the 2006 Sales Series Pace at Alexandra Park. Small moved off the markers when trailing in that race then eased Pocket Baileyship in a drive, HRNZ says, that let stablemate Changeover off the markers before he went on to win the race.
That incident has been the most hotly-debated of Small's run-ins with HRNZ and the verdict in that case will be the crucial one today as it is the only case with any chance of carrying a suspension.
But because Small's alleged breach of the rules was as a driver and not in a training capacity, it would be a surprise to see his trainer's licence suspended.
A more likely outcome will be a series of fines and a possible suspension of his driving licence.
HRNZ bosses were unable to comment on the hearings yesterday. Small has kept silent about them since taking legal advice two years ago.
Whether the lawyers get involved today should determine whether the charges are actually heard or delayed again.
If the charges are heard and Small is found or pleads guilty, both he and HRNZ will be given a chance to make any pre-sentencing submissions. That would suggest any penalties handed down won't be announced until at least next month.
The hearings come during a frantic week for Small, who has a premier meeting at Alexandra Park tomorrow night and Changeover racing in the Victoria Cup in Melbourne on Saturday.
Meanwhile, punters will be disappointed to learn one of the highlights of the holiday season has been abandoned.
The TAB announced yesterday the Hot Holiday Jocks and Hot Holiday Drivers competitions have been cancelled for this year.
They gave punters the chance to bet on who would be the most successful jockey and driver over the Christmas-New Year period.
