There is a case to suspend voting in the New Zealand Harness Horse Of Year awards until the outcome of the hearing into the positive swab returned by Smoken Up in the Interdominion Final.
Lance Justice, the Victorian trainer of Smoken Up, was charged last month in regard to Smoken Up testing positive to dimethyl sulphoxide in the $800,000 final at Alexandra Park on April 8. Negotiations are proceeding between the Judicial Control Authority and Justice on a date for the hearing.
The outcome of the race is critical in voting for the harness awards. Smoken Up is a leading contender after winning his two heats of the Interdominion and the final.
His disqualification would leave Themightyquinn the Interdominion Final winner.
That would advance Themightyquinn in favour for the top award as winner of the Auckland Cup-Interdominion Final.
Harness Racing New Zealand has already canvassed voting in the awards and the results are due to be announced at a dinner in Christchurch on Saturday week.
