Noverre Officially DQ'ed From French Guineas

Noverre, who finished first in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French Two Thousand Guineas, Fr-I) in May, has been disqualified following a positive drug test French officials confirmed today.

Earlier this month it was confirmed that the colt, owned by Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin, tested positive for the arthritis medication methylprednisolone.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor was also fined FF100,000 ($13,350) at a hearing at France Galop headquarters. The colt won the Poule d'Essai des Poulains in May by a head over Vahorimix. He also ran at the Royal Ascot meeting and was a close second to Black Minnaloushe in the St. James's Palace Stakes (Eng-I).

Noverre was being treated for an arthritic condition and Godolphin say they adhered to strict guidelines regarding the drug's administration.

Godolphin spokesman Simon Crisford said: "We abide by the decision of the French racing authorities and we are sad to lose a classic in this way. This is a one-off situation which couldn't have been foreseen owing to the strict guidelines that we adhere to.''