Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni is to attend a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) disciplinary inquiry after serious irregularities were found in samples taken from horses in his care at Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket, states Godolphin’s official website. 

Following an inspection of Zarooni’s stable by officials from the BHA, traces of prohibited substances were discovered in a number of the horses tested, including Certify. The BHA has advised that, as a result, the filly will not be allowed to take part in the QIPCO 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket next month.
Al Zarooni has admitted that he was responsible for the administration of the prohibited substances.

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford (pictured with Al Zarooni) said: “This is a dark day for Godolphin. We are all shocked by what has happened”.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was absolutely appalled when he was told and this is completely unacceptable to him. We will await the outcome of the BHA inquiry before taking any further internal action.

“Sheikh Mohammed has instructed me to begin an urgent review of all of our procedures and controls. That is already underway and we will take advice from the BHA in completing it.”

Al Zarooni said: “I deeply regret what has happened. I have made a catastrophic error. Because the horses involved were not racing at the time, I did not realise that what I was doing was in breach of the rules of racing. I can only apologise for the damage this will cause to Godolphin and to racing generally.”

No further comment will be made pending the completion of the BHA investigation and inquiry. - Godolphin 

_____________BHA release__________

11 Mahmood Al Zarooni-trained horses suspended following positive test results

As part of the ‘testing in training’ sampling programme conducted by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), on 9th April 2013 samples were obtained from 45 horses trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni at Moulton Paddocks Stables. This afternoon the BHA has received written advice from the Horseracing Forensic Laboratory that upon analysis 11 of these samples had present in them prohibited substances as laid out below:

Ethylestranol:
Desert Blossom
Certify
Fair Hill
Ghostflower
Orkney Island
Sweet Rose
Valley Of Queens

Stanozolol:
Artigiano
Bathrat Amal
Opinion Poll
Restraint Of Trade

Adam Brickell, Director of Integrity, Legal and Risk for the BHA, said:

“Ethylestranol and stanozolol are anabolic steroids and therefore Prohibited Substances under British Rules of Racing, at any time – either in training or racing. Mahmood Al Zarooni has been advised of the analysts’ findings and has been visited by an Investigating Officer.

“A Disciplinary Panel enquiry into the analysts’ findings will take place at the first available opportunity, confirmed details of which will follow when available. The horses which have produced positive tests will also not be permitted to race with immediate effect and for an extended period of time. As part of the ongoing process a decision will be made as to what period this suspension will be imposed for.

“The BHA understand the importance of this process being carried out as quickly as possible because of implications for betting markets.”