Wilde, 37, pleaded guilty to a charge laid by Racing Victoria stewards that he ran Florida Pearl in a restricted race at Warrnambool on December 27, 2016, with a prohibited substance in her system.

The substance, Dexamethasone, was detected in a post-race urine sample taken after Florida Pearl won a 1400-metre race.

Wilde, who trained five winners at last year’s Warrnambool May carnival, will have at least 15 runners at next week's three-day event.

“It's a relief it’s all behind me,” he said.

“It's been a stressful and worrying time for me and my stable.

“I expected to be fined as I understand it was a serious charge. I've just got to wear the fine and move on. I'm focussed now on trying to win a few races next week.”

Judge John Bowman said he had to hand down a severe penalty.

“I take into account your guilty plea and you have been co-operative with the stewards but I have to look at your past offences,” Bowman said. “Your record has not been good down here. I think the fine of $15,000 should also send a message to other trainers regarding this matter.”

Wilde faced the RADB board previously. He was fined $8000 in October 2015 and $12,000 in June 2013, when he trained in partnership with his dad Bill, and $1000 in April 2010 for various indiscretions.