One of New Zealand's most prominent horse owners, who was facing an investigation into his alleged involvement in the Blue Magic doping scandal, has died.
John Seaton, a Canterbury businessman with a fortune estimated at $35 million, died today, a statement from Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) said.
His death was reportedearlier on horse racing websites.
Police would not at this stage confirm Seaton had died but in a statement, Hornby police confirmed they attended the death of a middle-aged man in the Selwyn area this morning.
"There are no suspicious circumstances and the death has been referred to the coroner," the statement said.
Seaton was last Thursday formally charged by HRNZ 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.
The charges were the latest in a six-month investigation into the drug Blue Magic which is said to enhance horses' performance.
Light and Sound's trainer Mark Purdon was charged earlier by HRNZ with giving Light And Sound blue magic before two races.
No police charges were laid, with police referring the matter back to HRNZ.
HRNZ general manager Edward Rennell today said the organisation wanted to extend its sympathies to Seaton's family and friends but that it would be inappropriate to comment on the events leading up to his death.
"Someone has died. It would be completely inappropriate for us to comment on any other aspects of our inquiry at this time," Rennell said.
"It is an extremely sad time for Mr Seaton's family and friends and we regret his death."
Last Friday, during New Zealand Cup week at Addington in Christchurch, Seaton was seen arguing with harness racing officials, including Rennell and HRNZ chairman.
Seaton is the second person involved with the Blue Magic investigation to die suddenly in recent months, after Rangiora man Robert Asquith in July.
Asquith, whose name had been suppressed, was charged with selling propantheline bromide, an ingredient of the clear blue liquid substance commonly known as blue magic.
In a separate incident, another trainer, Nigel McGrath, was found guilty in August on three HRNZ charges of giving propantheline bromide to horses before races. That drug was sourced from ulcer tablets.
McGrath is appealing against his three-year disqualification.
