The British Horseracing Authority said Wednesday, May 29 that former Godolphin Racing trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni had dropped his appeal of an eight-year suspension for giving anabolic steroids to horses.
The BHA determined April 25 that Al Zarooni, 37, administered anabolic steroids to 15 horses in his care at Moulton Paddocks in Newmarket. The former Godolphin handler was officially charged with rule breaches related to prohibited substances, duty to keep medication records, and conduct prejudicial to racing.
Al Zarooni said May 7 he would contest the severity of the suspension, but the BHA said Wednesday it received notice that he will no longer be appealing. Al Zarooni was, according to the BHA's official findings, guilty of a widespread systematic misuse of illegal substances. The case is widely regarded to be the most serious doping scandal in recent British racing history.
The Dubai-born handler had admitted to all of the breaches of the rules. At the hearing he also apologized for his actions. Godolphin principal Sheikh Mohammed said he was "appalled and angered" by Al Zarooni's actions.
Mahmood Al Zarooni
Dubai Racing Club