Prominent New Zealand-based harness-racing owner John Seaton was found dead yesterday just days after being charged for his part in the "blue-magic" doping scandal.
Last Thursday, Seaton was charged by Harness Racing New Zealand with "being a party to the alleged administration or attempted administration of a prohibited substance" before his pacer Light And Sound won a race on March 26.
Among the best horses Seaton owned was dual Miracle Mile placegetter Il Vicolo and last year's runner-up Jack Cade.
Light And Sound's trainer, Mark Purdon, is also facing HRNZ charges for giving Light And Sound blue magic before two of its races.