One of Australian racing’s longest-running integrity sagas has taken yet another dramatic turn, with the latest inquiry into Alligator Blood delayed after respected steward Ray Murrihy unexpectedly stepped aside.
More than six years after Alligator Blood’s controversial 2020 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas victory, the case remains unresolved, leaving racing participants still waiting for a final outcome.
Murrihy, one of the most respected integrity figures in Australian racing, had been appointed by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) earlier this year to chair a fresh stewards’ inquiry into the infamous positive swab. However, he has now withdrawn from the role, forcing the hearing to be postponed once again.
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QRIC has confirmed another chairperson will now be appointed before a new hearing date is set.
The latest setback is another frustrating chapter in a case that has become one of the most protracted integrity battles Australian racing has ever seen.
The controversy dates back to January 2020, when Alligator Blood won the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas at the Gold Coast before returning a post-race sample containing the prohibited substance altrenogest. The gelding was subsequently disqualified before a lengthy series of legal challenges saw that decision overturned, only for further appeals and court proceedings to send the matter back before stewards once again.
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Earlier this year, Queensland’s Court of Appeal dismissed attempts to prevent QRIC from reopening the inquiry, clearing the way for stewards to finally hear the matter again. At the time, QRIC said it wanted to bring the saga to a conclusion “at the earliest opportunity” in the interests of racing integrity.
Instead, another delay has arrived.
Murrihy’s appointment was widely welcomed across the industry due to his decades of experience as Racing NSW’s chief steward and his reputation as one of the country’s most respected administrators. His withdrawal has inevitably raised fresh questions about when the matter will finally reach its conclusion.
While the legal proceedings continue, Alligator Blood’s legacy on the racetrack remains unquestioned.
The gelding developed into one of Australia’s modern greats, winning seven Group 1 races including the Stradbroke Handicap, Champions Mile, Underwood Stakes, Caulfield Stakes and Futurity Stakes while earning more than $8 million in prize money.
However, the unresolved status of the 2020 Magic Millions Guineas continues to cast a shadow over one chapter of an otherwise remarkable career.
With a replacement chairperson now set to be appointed, the industry will once again hope the latest inquiry finally delivers closure to a case that has stretched across multiple courts, appeals and stewards’ hearings.
After more than six years, Australian racing deserves a final answer.
