Premier Brisbane trainer Robert Heathcote has been fined $5000 following a positive swab inquiry.

A post-race swab of the Heathcote-trained Slick Image, who won at the Sunshine Coast on September 23, was found to contain the anti-inflammatory hydrocortisone above the permitted threshold.

Slick Image has been disqualified as the winner of the Benchmark 75 Handicap (1400m).

Racing Queensland stewards took into account Heathcote's previously unblemished record in handing down the fine.

Heathcote, whose year has been highlighted by Group One wins with Woorim and Solzhenitsyn, is a clear leader in his bid to claim a fifth Brisbane trainers' title.