Racing: Purdon to face charges over blue magic doping

Top harness racing trainer Mark Purdon will next month face charges related to the blue magic drugs affair.

Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) announced yesterday that the hearing would be held in Christchurch, commencing on Monday, July 25, although an earlier date would have been preferred.

"While disappointed that this case could not be heard earlier, Harness Racing New Zealand is pleased that a date has been confirmed and that this matter can now be resolved through the judicial process," HRNZ general manager Edward Rennell said.

Purdon is charged with the use of propantheline bromide, an ingredient in the substance commonly known as blue magic.

Purdon's hearing will follow that of fellow Canterbury trainer Nigel McGrath, who has an appeal against a three-year disqualification set down for June 23 and 24.

McGrath was disqualified in September of last year by the judicial control authority for the use of propantheline bromide but has continued to work as a trainer under a stay of proceedings.

McGrath had intended taking his case to the High Court but last month decided against that course of action.

The blue magic affair first surfaced in New Zealand harness racing in May 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 a being a party to - or attempted use of - propantheline bromide.

- NZPA