KEY POINTS:
A hearing into an improper driving charge against top harness racing trainer Geoff Small opened in Auckland on Tuesday.
The charge stems from Small's driving of the unfancied Pocket Baileyship in the $200,000 Yearling Sales Series Final for 3-year-old pacers at Alexandra Park on December 31.
Small had Pocket Baileyship in the trail during the running but then moved out to be parked outside the leader. This allowed Changeover, also trained by Small, to move from a difficult position of three back on the inside to the much better position of trailing the leader.
Changeover, the favourite, went on to win while Pocket Baileyship dropped out to finish third-last.
An improper driving charge carries a maximum fine of $5000 and suspension or disqualification of up to a year preventing Small from training.
The hearing has been adjourned to April 17.
- NZPA
