Seven more Godolphin horses test positive

Seven more horses from Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin operation— including the 2012 St Leger winner, Encke — have tested positive for banned steroids.

All were, until recently, under the care of the disgraced trainer Mahmood al Zarooni (pictured) at Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket.

Al Zarooni was given an eight-year ban by the British Horseracing Authority at a disciplinary hearing on 25 April, after 11 horses he trained tested positive for steroids.

At the time, al Zarooni admitted to making a “catastrophic error”. He has since announced he will appeal his penalty.

After the hearing last month, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) said it would test all Godolphin-owned horses in training in Newmarket, including those at Moulton Paddocks and horses trained by Godolphin’s Saeed bin Suroor.

All horses under the care of Saeed bin Suroor tested negative.

“These test results endorse the swift action and measures taken by the BHA in this matter,” said BHA chief executive Paul Bittar.

“Whatever the outcome of his [al Zarooni’s] appeal… the gravity and scale of the infringements warranted Mahmood al Zarooni being removed from control of the yard as quickly as possible.”

He added: “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.”

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