• Horse racing

Al Zarooni withdraws appeal

ESPN staff
May 29, 2013
Mahmood Al Zarooni was banned from training horses for eight years by the BHA © PA Photos
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Former Godolphin handler Mahmood Al Zarooni has withdrawn his appeal over the severity of his eight-year ban from training, the British Horseracing Authority has confirmed.

On April 25, Al Zarooni was found guilty by a BHA disciplinary panel of administering anabolic steroids to 15 horses in his care, including former 1,000 Guineas favourite Certify, following tests on 45 horses at his former Moulton Paddock stables.

Al Zarooni was officially charged with rule breaches related to prohibited substances, duty to keep medication records, and conduct prejudicial to racing to which the Dubai-born handler admitted to during his hearing.

Earlier in May, Al Zarooni issued a statement saying he would contest the severity of his ban from training.

On May 20, the BHA revealed a further seven horses at the Newmarket yard, including 2012 St Leger winner Encke, had tested positive for traces of steroids but stated they would not take action until the appeal lodged by Al Zarooni had been resolved.

However, the BHA took to their official Twitter account on Wednesday to announce that Al Zarooni had withdrawn his appeal.

The tweet read: "BHA has received notice from the solicitors of Mahmood Al Zarooni that he has withdrawn his appeal regarding his eight-year disqualification."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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