Racing: Appeals going to High Court

Canterbury harness horsemen Nigel McGrath and Philip Burrows are taking their disqualifications to the High Court.

McGrath was disqualified for three years and Burrows for six months for the administration to horses of propantheline bromide, an ingredient in the substance commonly known as blue magic.

Appeals against their disqualification had been set down for hearing on December 13 but were then adjourned to next Monday.

Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) said in a statement yesterday that an application for further adjournment was received by the appeals' tribunal, which was appointed by racing's judicial control authority.

HRNZ said the appeals' tribunal was advised that an application for a judicial review, challenging the rules of harness racing, is to be filed in the High Court on behalf of McGrath and Burrows.

HRNZ said it opposed the adjournment but it was granted by the appeals' tribunal.

The High Court action probably means it will now be well into the new year before anything happens. It is also believed similar charges against top trainer Mark Purdon will not be heard until after McGrath and Burrows' cases are concluded.

McGrath and Burrows continue to operate under a stay of proceedings.

- NZPA