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Purdon receives six-week suspension for Auckland Reactor drive

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March 18, 2009

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Mark Purdon, the trainer-driver of Down-Under star pacer Auckland Reactor, has been given a six-week suspension from the Queensland Harness Racing Stewards as a result of a questionable drive in last Saturday's opening round of the $1 million Inter Dominion Series at Parklands Raceway. Although Auckland Reactor--now owned mostly by North Americans--finished second, the track stewards immediately questioned Purdon afterward on his driving tactics.

The stewards made their decision after a Wednesday meeting that lasted 2 1/2 hours. The chairman of stewards, Martin Knibbs, told Purdon that, "We believe you didn't give your horse every possible chance of winning. You are suspended six weeks."

The stewards' decision was based on their belief that Purdon failed to move the heavily-favored Auckland Reactor properly during the race including sitting in the pocket until late in the 1,609-meter contest. Despite the questioned strategy, Auckland Reactor still finished second, only his second loss in 22 career starts.

"If I could have the race over I probably would have driven him different but hindsight is a wonderful thing," Purdon was quoted as saying on harnesslink.com. "You don't have hindsight when you are driving. I might have made an error in judgement but it is certainly not worth a suspension."

The suspension is scheduled to run through April 30. Purdon could appeal the decision. Knibbs reportedly asked Purdon if he would consider a fine before deciding to only hand out the suspension.

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