The British Horseracing Authority "sought to draw a line" under the doping case of Emirati horse trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni on Thursday when it "published its long-awaited report into the on-goings at Godolphin’s Moulton Paddocks stable in Newmarket earlier this spring," according to Marcus Armytage of the London TELEGRAPH. There "will be no further disciplinary charges," but the report "was critical of shortcomings in the Godolphin management structure which created the environment for the trainer to perpetrate the offences." Al Zarooni "was banned for eight years at a hastily convened inquiry" on April 25. Subsequent investigations by the BHA "have found no evidence of other parties or anyone further up the Godolphin food chain involved beyond those identified at the original disciplinary hearing." The report "also gave the all-clear" to Al Zarooni's assistant, Charlie Appleby, and Godolphin Head Lad Oliver Costello. BHA CEO Paul Bittar said, "The investigation process has been a complex and challenging one. However, I am satisfied that the conclusions reached are an accurate reflection of events" (TELEGRAPH, 7/25).
MAKING CHANGES: In Dubai, Leslie Wilson Jr. reported Godolphin has appointed Appleby as its "second trainer with immediate effect." The announcement was made Thursday after Appleby "was granted a license" by the BHA. The 38-year-old "will be in charge of up to 200 racehorses at Moulton Paddocks during the summer and Marmoom Stables in Dubai in the winter, as one of Godolphin’s two main trainers" alongside veteran handler Saeed Bin Surour (GULF NEWS, 7/25).
