Sheikh Mohammed locks down yard

Sheikh Mohammed will lock down the stables of Mahmood Al Zarooni with immediate effect after saying he was "appalled and angered" in the wake of the trainer being charged by the British Horseracing Authority following tests on 11 of his horses showing the presence of anabolic steroids.

Al Zarooni will appear before a disciplinary panel of the BHA on Thursday afternoon and could lose his licence.

Speaking on www.godolphin.com, Sheikh Mohammed said: "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."

He added: "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. There can be no excuse for any deliberate violation.

"Godolphin is fully cooperating 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."