Blue magic appeal sees disqualification halved

Canterbury trainer Nigel McGrath has had his period of disqualification halved over the blue magic drugs affair, Harness Racing New Zealand said.

McGrath was originally disqualified for three years.

But following an appeal heard by the judicial control authority in Christchurch yesterday it was shortened to 18 months.

McGrath was found guilty of administering propantheline bromide or its metabolites on three occasions in April 2004.

Propantheline bromide is an ingredient of the substance commonly known as blue magic.

HRNZ said McGrath's disqualification would take effect from July 11.

Up to now he has continued to train under a stay of proceedings.

Disqualification means McGrath will not be able to own or train a horse or go onto a racecourse.

McGrath's stable foreman Phillip Burrow also had his appeal heard yesterday.

He was successful in having his initial penalty of six months' disqualification reduced to a $2000 fine.

Burrows was in charge of one of the horses that returned a positive test.

HRNZ was satisfied with the length of McGrath's disqualification and that the two appeals had been concluded, its general manager Edward Rennell said.

"HRNZ considers that, given the serious nature of the offences, the penalty is appropriate and sends a strong message that the industry has a zero tolerance attitude to such activity," Rennell said.

'HRNZ is satisfied with the outcome of this matter and is pleased that this has been resolved.

"HRNZ is committed to maintaining the integrity of the industry for the benefit of all participants and the general public."

Next on the blue magic agenda is charges against top racing trainer Mark Purdon which begin in Christchurch on July 25.

The blue magic affair first surfaced in New Zealand harness racing in May of last year.

In the interim two people connected to the case have died.

They were former Canterbury trainer Robert Asquith, 47, who died last July at his home near Rangiora in North Canterbury, two days before he was to appear in court for the supply of propantheline bromide.

The other was millionaire horse owner John Seaton of Christchurch. He was found dead at his home last November.

Seaton, 55, had days earlier been charged with being a party to the use or the attempted use of propantheline bromide.

- NZPA