Encke among latest positive tests for al Zarooni; bin Suroor trainees all clear

Encke among latest positive tests for al Zarooni; bin

Suroor trainees all clear

Godolphin and, via his solicitors, al Zarooni have been informed of the test

results. Both Godolphin and al Zarooni have also been notified that they have

the option within the Rules to ask that the relevant samples be subjected to B

sample analysis. Both parties have until May 23 to confirm if they wish to take

up this option.

In line with the

restrictions imposed on the 15 horses identified as having been administered

anabolic steroids in the initial investigation, and subject to confirmation

should the B samples be sent for counter-analysis, the seven horses will be

suspended from running in Britain for a period of six months from the date the

samples were taken. As such the above horses would not be permitted to resume

racing until October 29, 2013. Any of these horses may be subjected to further

sampling, as directed by the BHA, prior to them resuming racing.

The BHA has also notified Godolphin that the application for bin Suroor to

take charge of Moulton Paddocks will now be processed. Under the Rules of

Racing, horses must be in the care of a licensed trainer for 14 days before they

are permitted to run. 

Following the eight-year disqualification awarded by the Disciplinary Panel,

al Zarooni lodged an appeal against the severity of the penalty. No date has

been set for the Appeal Board hearing as yet but the BHA can confirm that it

will not take place until the final week in June, at the earliest.

"We will not be taking any separate action in respect of these additional

positive results whilst Mr. al Zarooni's appeal process is ongoing," said Adam

Brickell, director of Integrity, Legal and Risk for the BHA.

"In the meantime, the latest findings from HFL Sport Science will form the

subject of further interviews as part of the BHA's continuing investigation.

From the outset, one of the aims of the investigation, in addition to trying to

understand the environment within which such serious breaches came to be

committed, has been to identify what measures are needed to ensure the yard

operates in accordance with the Rules in future. The findings will be shared

with Godolphin and will also assist the BHA with regard to the future licensing

of the yard."

BHA Chief Executive Paul Bittar also commented on the developments.

"These test results endorse the swift action and measures taken by the BHA in

this matter," Bittar said. "Whatever the outcome of his appeal before the

independent Appeal Board, the gravity and scale of the infringements warranted

Mahmood al Zarooni being removed from control of the yard as quickly as

possible.

"We welcome the news that Saeed bin Suroor's horses tested negative and this

clears the way for him to now take charge of Moulton Paddocks."

Godolphin issued a statement from racing manager Simon Crisford on the

stable's

website.

"It is obviously very disappointing that seven further horses have tested

positive for stanozolol," Crisford said.

"These results highlight why H.H. Sheikh Mohammed took the decision to lock

down the stables at Moulton Paddocks until every Godolphin horse in training at

Newmarket had been tested.

"All of Saeed bin Suroor's horses have tested clear and we are working with

the BHA to put everything back in order at Moulton Paddocks."

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