JJ Flash Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 High-profile horse trainer barred from racecourses By Louis Day Star Commander. Photo: Getty Images A high-profile Canterbury harness racing trainer has handed in his trainer’s licence after being charged with numerous offences including attempting to administer a banned substance to a horse. Nigel McGrath is facing five charges and has been served with a notice banning him from entering any racecourse. His West Melton property was raided by Racing Integrity Unit officials last month. He has now been charged with: Attempting to administer with another person a prohibited substance to Steel The Show. Refusing to make a statement to inspectors regarding his actions. Obstructing a racecourse inspector(s) in their attempts to seize evidence. Failure to follow lawful direction when instructed regarding Steel The Show. Failure to follow lawful direction when requested regarding production of evidence. McGrath’s property was raided hours before Steel The Show and another horse, Cloud Nine, were due to race at Addington. RIU inspectors found tubing equipment, used to administer substances to horses, and McGrath and another man at the property. Steel The Show and Cloud Nine were immediately banned from racing at Addington. McGrath did not return calls and his lawyer, Pip Hall QC, said he would not be making any comment. McGrath’s horses have been transferred to other trainers’ stables. It is not the first time McGrath has been charged with horse doping offences. In 2004 he was caught up in the Blue Magic scandal, and was found guilty by the Judicial Control Authority of administering propantheline bromide to horses before racing. McGrath was also caught up in the ongoing police investigation into the racing industry, codenamed Operation Inca. He was charged with a race-fixing offence, which was later dismissed in the district court. The charge came after raceway stipendiary stewards launched an inquiry after a race at Addington Raceway in March 2018. Nigel McGrath. Photo: nigelmcgrathracing.co.nz They were concerned by the manner McGrath had driven one of the two horses he trained in the race – Star Commander. His other horse, Sheriff, won the race. The matter was heard by the Judicial Control Authority, during which details of a phone call between McGrath and a big-betting businessman associated with his stable emerged for the first time. During the phone call, McGrath is asked by the businessman if Star Commander would beat Sheriff. “Nah. Oh, if it does, it won’t. If-if it ah. Nah, don’t worry, don’t worry about Star Commander. Star Commander won’t get in Sheriff’s way. You don’t want that,” he said. Betting records showed the businessman put $27,252 on 19 bets, involving wins, multis, quaddies, trebles and a double, on Sheriff to win $37,057. After originally pleading not guilty to a serious racing offence and a charge of improper driving, McGrath changed his plea to guilty for the lesser charge of improper driving on the second day of the hearing. He was suspended from driving for six months and ordered to pay costs of $11,500. The businessman is facing criminal charges in the district court. He has interim name suppression. ODT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunterthepunter Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 so is your post a dig at Nigel or his owners?????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangatira Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 (edited) 24 minutes ago, hunterthepunter said: so is your post a dig at Nigel or his owners?????? neither by the looks of it its just the article that appeared in the star online today Edited April 10, 2020 by Rangatira Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 (edited) 36 minutes ago, JJ Flash said: In 2004 he was caught up in the Blue Magic scandal, I thought when a case was closed it shouldn't be brought up again as evidence of wrong doing. 2 minutes ago, Rangatira said: neither by the looks of it The intent of the poster I believe. Edited April 10, 2020 by Happy Sunrise 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunterthepunter Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 1 minute ago, Rangatira said: neither by the looks of it its just the article that appeared in the star yeah right its a dig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunterthepunter Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 2 minutes ago, Happy Sunrise said: I thought when a case was closed it shouldn't be brought up again as evidence of wrong doing. The intent of the poster I believe. the poster should be banned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangatira Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 (edited) 6 minutes ago, Happy Sunrise said: I thought when a case was closed it shouldn't be brought up again as evidence of wrong doing. ROFLMAO Edited April 10, 2020 by Rangatira Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangatira Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 3 minutes ago, hunterthepunter said: the poster should be banned why is that kylie ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunterthepunter Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 3 minutes ago, Rangatira said: ROFLMALO dana bolt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blossom lady Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 The old saying once a cheat always a cheat certainly applies here! perhaps if Nigel hadn't refused to give a statement then there might have bot been a need for the riu to turn up the following day and his drunken mate might not be facing more charges himself! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 McGrath has obviously had enough of racing and racing has had enough of him. Another slight on the industry but it is a shame a pretty high profile trainer has gone if you know what I mean. One whose horses attracted the punter. Goodness, if the All Stars decide to pack up and go to Australia if the stakes of big races are lowered in NZ then there won't be much left in the way of high profile trainers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whiplash smile Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 Cold clean and busted! Good riddance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blossom lady Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 2 hours ago, Happy Sunrise said: McGrath has obviously had enough of racing and racing has had enough of him. Another slight on the industry but it is a shame a pretty high profile trainer has gone if you know what I mean. One whose horses attracted the punter. Goodness, if the All Stars decide to pack up and go to Australia if the stakes of big races are lowered in NZ then there won't be much left in the way of high profile trainers. Most racing people have had enough of McGrath! Only the ones who condone cheating haven't. think you will find all stars are looking at America for the next move ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ Flash Posted April 10, 2020 Author Share Posted April 10, 2020 (edited) 13 hours ago, Happy Sunrise said: I thought when a case was closed it shouldn't be brought up again as evidence of wrong doing. Incorrect Happy , i did not write the article Louise Day did so your gripe is with her 13 hours ago, Happy Sunrise said: The intent of the poster I believe. Nonsense Happy , all i did was post an article that many are not able to see, such as those from outside Christchurch. I have no issues with McGrath on a personal basis so stop shit stirring with all you conspiracy theories about my intentions It would appear from other responses on this thread that Nigel is not that popular with a few BOAY posters for historical reasons. As its before authorities he is still innocent in my book at this stage. Greg Edited April 10, 2020 by JJ Flash 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 5 minutes ago, JJ Flash said: i did not write the article Louise Day did so your gripe is with her I am saying the All Stars supporters scoff at allegations that Mark Purdon has ever done anything wrong and when the Blue Magic saga is brought up the response is i) it was years ago and ii) it was adjudicated upon so forget it 8 minutes ago, JJ Flash said: As its before authorities he is still innocent in my book at this stage. It is a shame other trainers haven't been afforded the same luxury in recent times. 11 minutes ago, JJ Flash said: Incorrect Happy 11 minutes ago, JJ Flash said: More nonsense Happy Good morning to you too. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ Flash Posted April 10, 2020 Author Share Posted April 10, 2020 3 minutes ago, Happy Sunrise said: I am saying the All Stars supporters scoff at allegations that Mark Purdon has ever done anything wrong and when the Blue Magic saga is brought up the response is i) it was years ago and ii) it was adjudicated upon so forget it It is a shame other trainers haven't been afforded the same luxury in recent times. Good morning to you too. And a Happy Easter to you Happy and other contributors. The article written By L Day is about one particular upcoming case involving N McGrath and the backgound behind the charges he faces. Introducing others to the discussion i.e AS, seems pointless as they have not been parallel charged in this instance. You obviously are of the belief that AS are not squeaky which is entirely your prerogative but do you have any concrete evidence of them doing anything illegal in recent times.If so its a whole new thread so go for it. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 13 minutes ago, JJ Flash said: but do you have any concrete evidence of them doing anything illegal in recent times I will ring the RIU. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunterthepunter Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 21 minutes ago, JJ Flash said: And a Happy Easter to you Happy and other contributors. The article written By L Day is about one particular upcoming case involving N McGrath and the backgound behind the charges he faces. Introducing others to the discussion i.e AS, seems pointless as they have not been parallel charged in this instance. You obviously are of the belief that AS are not squeaky which is entirely your prerogative but do you have any concrete evidence of them doing anything illegal in recent times.If so its a whole new thread so go for it. Greg so your saying they not squeaky clean jj????? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 2 minutes ago, hunterthepunter said: so your saying they not squeaky clean jj????? We are in lockdown HTP. Don't start this again ? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ Flash Posted April 10, 2020 Author Share Posted April 10, 2020 2 hours ago, Happy Sunrise said: I will ring the RIU. Good idea and shows you understand the need for integrity in the sport. In doing so it will enhance and promote gambling on Harness racing in the long term. Let us know how you get on Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the galah Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 The McGrath case is one where i think many of us have conflicting thoughts. On one hand its confirmation of what anyone with 2 eyes open has been saying for years. That is certain stables operate outside the rules to gain an advantage over others. And of course there are other stables,those with the greatest resources, who are ahead of the game and use the latest "therapeutic's" knowing they are still operating within the rules. Reality is this will always be the case in many sports and horse racing is certainly one of them. And as i have been saying for some time the advance in the effectiveness of such therapeutics has resulted in a bigger gap between those who embrace there use and those who don't. We all know that. Those that deny that exists ,well they will fight tooth and nail to discredit anyone who says otherwise. Those people are very condescending and you lose respect for them but they are quite right to point out they are operating within the current rules, you can't stop them. Its all a vicious circle,you get trainers like Mcgrath trying to remain competitive,and to do so uses methods which are not allowed by the rules,and which he knows will give him an advantage over others. Whatever the reasons, the rules are there for the reasons of fair play. Just because someone else has more advanced methods of achieving optimum performance does not mean you can flout the rules and have no consequences if you get caught. Why did mcgrath feel the need to hand in his licence? Why not just accept that when you get caught you pay a price then move on and go again down the track. No one likes to see someone like mcgrath walk away,but people like this have to realise if you do something illegal and get caught there is a price to pay. Blaming the officials for catching you is just plain stupid. Handing in his licence was just a way of putting up the white flag. He doesn't have to spend a fortune in legal fees in the future if he just accepted what he did was wrong Thats my take on things. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 1 hour ago, the galah said: On one hand its confirmation of what anyone with 2 eyes open has been saying for years. That is certain stables operate outside the rules to gain an advantage over others. What are the other stables? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 1 hour ago, JJ Flash said: Let us know how you get on No one answered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunterthepunter Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 37 minutes ago, Happy Sunrise said: No one answered. keep ringing happy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the galah Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 (edited) 49 minutes ago, Happy Sunrise said: What are the other stables? Do you really think i have to spell it out for you? How about you start with those who have previously been charged with similar offences. The best way to predict current behaviour is to look to past behaviour. Also you should look at those stables that have abnormally high injury rates which would indicate the use of pain suppressants.And occasionally there have been examples of sudden multiple deaths at stables,although i'm not aware of any stables who have had that in the last couple of years. Then just go watch the way some horses come back to scale after running record times,and look like they could go and run again in the next race. The occasional horse can do that,but every horse in the stable? Like i said some stables can do this and still say they are doing nothing illegal, often because they are ahead of the game in that respect. i think the above is limited to a handful of stables. In the big scheme of things i don't think Mcgrath was a big fish in that respect. Just an easy catch. Edited April 11, 2020 by the galah 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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