Simon Crisford has left his position as racing manager for the Godolphin operation and assumed duties as Sheikh Mohammed's global racing adviser, as Godolphin announced a number of changes in response to the findings and recommendations from an extensive internal review.
The management change comes on the heels of a report into the doping scandal last year within the Godolphin organization that led to the downfall of Godolphin trainer Mahmood al-Zarooni, who was banned for eight years by the British Horseracing Authority for using steroids on his horses.
The recent internal inquiry cleared Sheikh Mohammed of any direct involvement in the incident that followed the discovery last year of unauthorized veterinary products at Moorley Farm in Newmarket, owned by the sheikh's Darley Stud operation, and on a private jet at Stansted Airport.
The inquiry by former Metropolitan Police chief commissioner Lord Stevens said the seizures resulted from ''management failings, insufficient oversight, and complacency within the organization,'' but concluded Sheikh Mohammed had no knowledge of illegal operations.
In a Feb. 25 release, Godolphin said trainers Saeed bin Suroor of Al Quoz Stables and Godolphin Stables and Charlie Appleby of Moulton Paddocks and Godlophin Marmoom Stables will be the people ultimately responsible for their particular stables. The release said as a result of these changes, the position of racing manager no longer exists.
"The changes are intended to streamline and improve management oversight; safeguard horse welfare, and ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations," the Godolphin release said. "They re-emphasize the role of trainers as the individuals responsible for their particular racing stables and make clear that they hold the delegated authority of the owner as defined by the condition of their license."
Crisford said the timing was right for him to leave Godolphin.
"Having dealt with the events of last year and seen the Lord Stevens inquiry through to its conclusion, I thought that this was a good moment to bring my time at Godolphin to a close," Crisford told the Racing Post. "I had felt for a while that I would like a fresh challenge. I think the time is right for a new start for the stable and for me. Sheikh Mohammed has asked me to take on a new role as his global racing adviser. I am delighted to have accepted that position and I am very much looking forward to what will be an exciting new chapter for me."
