The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) can confirm that an appeal has today been lodged by Mahmood Al Zarooni.

The Disciplinary Panel of the BHA held an Inquiry on 25th April 2013 into the blood samples taken on 9th April 2013 from various horses at the training yard of Mahmood Al Zarooni to establish whether or not he was in breach of the Rules of Racing.

The appeal is against the level of the penalty of eight years disqualification imposed on Mr Al Zarooni by the Disciplinary Panel at the hearing.

The date for the appeal hearing will be confirmed in due course.