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.”