Godolphin in damage control after "catastrophic error" on steroids

Following yesterday's dramatic 'positive' to anabolic steroids by 11 horses trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni at Moulton in the UK, the powerful Godolphin stable in England is undergoing an urgent internal procedural review at the instruction of Sheikh Mohammed. "This is a dark day for Godolphin. We are all shocked by what has happened," stated Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford in a press release. "His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was absolutely appalled when he was told and this is completely unacceptable to him. We will await the outcome of the BHA inquiry before taking any further internal action. Sheikh Mohammed has instructed me to begin an urgent review of all of our procedures and controls. That is already underway and we will take advice from the BHA in completing it." In a further blow to Godolphin, among the 11 'positive' horses banned "for an extended period of time" is Gr1 winner Certify, who will be unable to take part in May's Gr1 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket. According to the British Horse Racing Authority's Adam Brickell, "Al Zarooni will be called to a disciplinary hearing at the first available opportunity." The trainer has accepted responsibility, stating in a press release: "I deeply regret what has happened... I have made a catastrophic error. Because the horses involved were not racing at the time, I did not realize that what I was doing was in breach of the rules of racing. I can only apologize for the damage this will cause to Godolphin and to racing generally." SOURCE: Breedracing.com