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Sheikh Mohammed locks down Godolphin stables

Mahmood Al Zarooni could lose his licence © PA Photos

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Godolphin owner Sheikh Mohammed has locked down his Newmarket stables until he is convinced all his horses are "completely clean".

Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni will go in front of a British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel on Thursday, after 11 horses in his care were found to have traces of anabolic steroids in their bloodstream.

And Sheikh Mohammed, the constitutional monarch of Dubai, will not allow any horses from the Moulton Paddocks stables to race again until he is certain they are all completely clean.

"I was appalled and angered to learn that one of our stables in Newmarket has violated Godolphin's ethical standards and the rules of British racing," Sheikh Mohammed said in a statement. "I have been involved in British horse racing for 30 years and have deep respect for its traditions and rules."

"I built my country based on the same solid principles. Godolphin is fully co-operating with the British Horseracing Authority to get to the bottom of this matter and take any appropriate disciplinary action.

"I have ordered the Godolphin management to undertake an immediate review of our internal procedures and controls to ensure to prevent any reoccurrence of this type of activity in any stables of mine.

"We will be locking down the Moulton Paddocks stables with immediate effect, and I have instructed that I want a full round of blood samples, and dope testing done on every single horse on that premises.

"I can assure the racing public that no horse will run from that yard this season until I have been absolutely assured by my team that the entire yard is completely clean.

"I have worked hard to ensure that Godolphin deserves its reputation for integrity and sportsmanship, and I have reiterated to all Godolphin employees that I will not tolerate this type of behaviour."

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