The British Horse Racing Authority announced this morning that Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni’s disciplinary hearing about horses in his care testing positive for anabolic steroids is to be held at 2.30pm tomorrow.
It is a swift move by the governing body of the sport who seem aware of the need for decisive action after it was revealed that 11 horse in his care – including one time leading 1000 Guineas hope Certify – had tested positive for banned substances.
The BHA also said that Al Zarooni had revealed to its Investigating Officers that 4 more horses – untested by them – had been administered prohibitive substances.
The four horses are Comitas, Sashiko, Vacationer (all Ethylestranol) and Tearless (Stanozolol).
Zarooni, having admitted administering prohibited substances to his horses, is facing a lengthy ban – possibly lifetime – from the sport.
He has been charged with multiple breaches of rules on banned substances, duty to keep medication records, and conduct prejudicial to horse racing.