Top greyhound racing administrator John McArthur has resigned from the Racing Integrity Unit (RIU) after one of his dogs tested positive for morphine.
However, he will stay on as chairman of Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) while an inquiry to into the positive test from his dog Miss Gigi continues.
A statement from GRNZ said the morphine found in Miss Gigi's system was suspected to have come from poppy seed in bread.
It said McArthur, who trains Miss Gigi, had resigned from the board of the RIU and had been replaced by GRNZ integrity committee chairman Mauro Barsi.
Nothing was said about McArthur's position as chairman of GRNZ, which could depend on the outcome of the investigation into the positive test.
"A close watching brief will be maintained on developments while RIU inquiries are continuing and (the board) reserve the right to take further action on this matter if and when deemed appropriate," the statement said.
NZN