Racing: Purdon appeals, forfeits drive

Mark Purdon had appealed against his six-week driving suspension but will not partner Auckland Reactor in his heat of the Interdominions tomorrow night.

Purdon did not seek a stay of proceedings, which would have allowed him to drive until his appeal was heard next week.

With the chances of getting the charge against him dropped considered slim, Purdon realised leaving Tony Herlihy on Auckland Reactor tomorrow night would be the best move to give him experience behind the champion.

"If I had got a stay of proceedings and didn't get the decision, or the sentence changed, then Tony wouldn't have had a chance to drive him before the final," said Purdon last night.

"This way Tony can drive him on Saturday and if my appeal is successful I can still get back on for the final."

A stay of proceedings also would have meant if Purdon's appeal was unsuccessful he would have missed the drive on Auckland Reactor in the $200,000 Messenger at Alexandra Park on May 1.