Newcastle trainer Hodge fined $5000

Newcastle-based trainer Stephen Hodge has been fined $5000 following a positive swab by one of his horses after it scored a city win earlier in the season.

French Gift tested positive to the prohibited substance procaine in a urine sample taken from the gelding after he won at the Australian Turf Club’s meeting at Wyong on August 22.

The horse was disqualified and Hodge fined at an inquiry on Thursday.

“In assessing penalty of a $5000 fine, stewards took into account Mr Hodge’s prior clear record of 28 years as a trainer and his co-operation with the inquiry,” a Racing NSW statement said.