Godolphin’s Moulton Paddocks stable to face no further charges from the BHA

Godolphin’s Moulton Paddocks stable in Newmarket will face no further charges after the British Horseracing Authority concluded its investigation into one of the most serious doping scandals in recent British racing history.

The BHA said there was no evidence of any other parties, beyond those identified at a hearing on April 25, being involved in the distribution of anabolic steroids, other than former trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni.

Al Zarooni was subsequently suspended for eight years after 22 horses, including last season's St Leger winner Encke, tested positive for banned substances earlier in the year.

Key failings
The investigation nonetheless found a number of key failings both in terms of process and within the management structure at the yard which enabled Al Zarooni to carry out the offences without being detected by fellow employees.

Al Zarooni’s assistant, Charlie Appleby, assumes control of Moulton Paddocks with immediate effect.

The BHA said it was happy Appleby had no knowledge of Al Zarooni’s wrongdoings and that he has already begun implementing some procedural changes alongside fellow Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor.

Adam Brickell, director of integrity, legal and risk for the BHA, said: “After an extensive and thorough investigation we have found no new evidence which contradicts that which was presented to the disciplinary panel.

“The evidence gathered from this investigation has confirmed that Mahmood Al Zarooni acted autonomously and was the person solely responsible for the events that took place at Moulton Paddocks.

“However, we have identified significant failings in the processes in place and management structure at the yard which allowed these events to unfold without senior management becoming aware. These findings have been shared with Godolphin.

“We are satisfied that Charlie Appleby had no awareness of the actions of Al Zarooni. This was made clear to the licensing committee, which has confirmed that Appleby is suitable to hold a trainer’s licence.

“We are aware that Appleby has already begun the process of implementing changes to the management structure and procedures at the yard and we will encourage him, as the licensed trainer, to continue to implement such changes, including addressing all of the points set out in our report.