For people who are interested in horse racing, would have probably heard this.

 

Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni has been banned from racing for eight years for his part in a doping scandal involving one of the world's leading racing operations.

 

The British Horse Racing authority (BHA) has also banned 15 horses trained by the 37-year-old for six months.

 

Godolphin is run by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

 

"I apologise to Sheikh Mohammed and all those at Godolphin, and the public who follow racing," said Al Zarooni.

 

"I accept it was my responsibility to be aware of rules and regulations around banned substances - I have made a catastrophic error."

Al Zarooni, 37, gave the steroids ethylestranol and stanozolol, which are prohibited substances, to the horses.

 

 

Sheikh Mohammed, who is worth an estimated £10bn, has "locked down" the Moulton Paddock stables where Al Zarooni trained.

Speaking before the ruling, Sheikh Mohammed said he was "appalled and angered" by the news that part of his operation "has violated Godolphin's ethical standards and the rules of British racing".

He added. "I have been involved in British horse racing for 30 years and have deep respect for its traditions and rules. There can be no excuse for any deliberate violation."

 

Al Zarooni is one of two UK-based trainers - the other is Saeed bin Suroor - for the powerful Godolphin operation.

Since being appointed by Sheikh Mohammed in March 2010, Al Zarooni has trained a host of big-race winners, including 1,000 Guineas victor Blue Bunting in 2011.

Last year he won the St Leger at Doncaster with Encke and the richest race in the world, the Dubai World Cup, with Monterosso.

 

 

A black week in the world of horse racing.

 

I believe that Al Zarooni definitely knew the rules regrading banned substances in the UK. Damaged Godolphin's credibility. Who knows how long this had been going on for.

Edited April 25, 201312 yr by kenukcsf

Big, big issue. This sort of ban though, just shows how tough the BHA are in regards to cheating. I guess you have to wonder at how long he's been doing it.

 

Godolphin are such a big name in horse racing, and have been involved for so long now, going to take a big hit to their reputation, and I'm sure if they win any of the Classics this year their will be eyes placed on them.