Canadian driver Brandon Campbell has been scratched from the World Drivers Championship in Canada after one of his horses failed a drug test.

The decision follows Campbell’s suspension after his horse, Ima Dude, failed a routine test after a race in Calgary in early July.

Ima Dude tested positive for ephedrine and its metabolite phenylpropanolamine.

The violation incurred a $4000 fine and a full suspension from racing until January 31, which means Campbell will be unable to compete against the world’s best from next weekend, including defending Kiwi champion Dexter Dunn and our leading trainer-driver Mark Purdon.

CEO of Standardbred Canada, Dan Gall, said in a media statement that he had been told the positive was for an antihistamine powder prescribed by a vet for Campbell’s horse.

 “Standardbred Canada made a decision based on the conditions of participation and what we believe is best for the sport and the industry,” he said.

Campbell, who was at $4.20 on the NZ TAB’s market behind Dunn at $3.20, would have been the first driver from western Canada to represent the country in the championship’s 25-year history.

Since Campbell started his career in 2003, he has driven more than 1300 winners.

James MacDonald will replace Campbell as the Canadian representative for the series, which will coincide with the 250th anniversary of horse racing in Canada.