Racing NSW stewards handed down the penalty on Thursday after completing a hearing which started following a post-race urine sample from the Atkins-trained winner Xiaoli's Ying at the Quirindi meeting held on November 24, 2019. It was found to contain trendione.

Atkins pleaded guilty to presenting Xiaoli's Ying with a post-race urine sample containing the prohibited substance, possession of pig regumate which had not been prescribed and dispensed in accordance with regulations and failing to keep treatment records for its administration leading up to the race.

Atkins said he was not aware of warnings provided by Racing NSW about the use of altrenogest products.

During a stable inspection, stewards found a bottle of regumate oral progestagen for pigs supplied by Dr Madalen Baltussen. The label on the pig regumate failed to record the name of the horse and directions for use.

Analysis of the regumate found trendione to be present at between 10 to 100 times greater than in the oral altrenogest products registered for use in horses.

Atkins' gained a 25% reduction in penalty for his early guilty plea and good record over 35 years as a trainer. Dr Baltussen received a three-month suspension of her Racing NSW veterinary permit and a $750 fine.

Te Akau Racing has paid an emotional tribute to their star galloper Te Akau Shark, who has died after suffering a series of health complications.

The dual Group One winner picked up an eye infection during the 2020 Sydney autumn carnival and underwent surgery for the issue last year.

He failed to recover completely and was retired from racing in December.

However, it is understood Te Akau Shark recently became blind in both eyes and the decision was made to euthanase him on humane grounds.

Te Akau Racing issued a statement confirming the horse's death on Thursday.

"It is with immense pain and sadness that we announce that our beloved Te Akau Shark has lost his brave health battle," Te Akau Racing said.

"We are shattered by your loss and will be eternally grateful to have had you, our great red giant, in our lives."

Part-owned by rugby league great Paul Gallen, Te Akau Shark raced 14 times for seven wins, amassing more than $1.5 million in prize money.

His biggest Australian victory came in last year's Group One Chipping Norton Stakes, while he also placed in an Epsom Handicap and Cox Plate.

The six-year-old has been laid to rest at Te Akau Stud in New Zealand.