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Tasmanian racing is reeling over leading trainer Barry Campbell’s three-year disqualification for illegally treating his top stayer Eastender before the Adelaide Cup in March.

Eastender was the second favourite for the G2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville on March 11 but was scratched by stewards on race morning on the suspicion that Campbel had illegally treated the horse early that day.

Campbell was found guilty of three charges at a TRSA steward inquiry on Friday of treating Eastender with potassium on raceday and of conduct intended to corrupt the outcome of a race.

Campbell pleaded not guilty to two of the three charges. He was disqualified for three years while stable employee Tania Coward was disqualified for 18 months for her role in the matter.

Eastender made history when he became the first horse in 42 years to complete the Devonport, Hobart and Launceston Cups treble during the summer months.

Devonport-based Campbell has been among Tasmania’s leading trainers for two decades and is a member the Tasmanian Racing Hall Of Fame.

Campbell and Coward could have been disqualified for up to five years but the stewards used their discretion to reduce the mandatory penalties.

Campbell’s disqualification will begin on June 21.

Campbell has indicated he will lodge an appeal but may not be granted a stay of proceedings after pleading guilty to one of the charges.