Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni has been banned from racing for eight years by the disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority, after 11 horses in his care tested positive for two banned anabolic steroids.
Reports indicate that Al Zarooni instructed an unknowing veterinary assistant to administer ethylestranol to seven horses and stanozolol to four others. Al Zarooni has also admitted to administering substances to an additional four horses, for a total of 15 affected. He has referred to this action a “catastrophic error” on his part.
British Horseracing Authority (BHA) chief executive Paul Bittar said in a statement: “The panel has determined that the drugs were administered on Al Zarooni’s instructions. This case has shown there is no place for performance-enhancing drugs in our sport and we have a robust testing system.