Racing: No appeal against Purdon ban

Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) won't appeal the four-month disqualification of top trainer Mark Purdon in the blue magic drugs affair.

HRNZ announced it had made the decision following careful consideration of legal advice.

"HRNZ's decision not to pursue an appeal is based on the prospects of a successful appeal given the particular circumstances of this case and the (judicial) decision," it said.

The racing industry's Judicial Control Authority (JCA) heard Purdon's case and last month announced it had imposed a four-month disqualification and a $15,000 fine.

Purdon's case was peculiar in that none of his horses had returned a positive swab. He simply admitted to twice administering a substance to his horses and was charged with acting to the detriment of harness racing.

In the JCA's decision it was said HRNZ had asked for a 12-month disqualification but that was only a starting point. It appears this is behind the reason for HRNZ not to go ahead with an appeal.

Said HRNZ yesterday: "The judicial committee, in its decision, accepted the submission by HRNZ that the seriousness of the admitted rule breaches admitted by Mr Purdon, justified as a starting point, a period of disqualification of 12 months."

Purdon's disqualification started yesterday and ends on December 31. Disqualification means Purdon is not allowed on a racetrack or the premises of a licensed harness racing person.

HRNZ, however, believes there is a perception of inconsistency in penalties handed down by the JCA recently and said it was looking at ways to guard against it.

"These options include the consideration of mandatory or minimum penalties for breaches involving the administration of prohibited substances and related breaches of the rules," HRNZ said.

The decision not to appeal basically ends the blue magic saga which first surfaced 15 months ago.

In that time two people have died and another trainer was disqualified for 18 months.

Former Canterbury trainer Robert Asquith, 47, died in July last year and millionaire horse owner John Seaton of Christchurch, was found dead at his home last November. The other trainer disqualified was Canterbury's Nigel McGrath

- NZPA