The British horse trainer, who had confessed to doping 11 prize thoroughbreds belonging to Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed, has been banned for eight years in a scandal, which is reportedly the biggest in the sport of horse racing.
Al Zarooni, employed by the Sheikh's Godolphin stables, have since apologised for his actions, claiming that he was unaware that he had committed a misdeed, The Sun reports.
Godolphin's racing manager Simon Crisford rued his poor judgement as he had been the one recommending Al Zarooni for the job in 2010, adding that it will take a long time for the stables to regain the confidence of the public.
Crisford further said that the trainer had behaved recklessly and caused terrible damage to Godolphin and British racing, adding that he did not believe that Al Zarooni was ignorant of the rule and thought that he could give these steroids to the horses because they were out of training.
Signifying future troubles for Godolphin, British Horseracing Authority (BHA) supremo Paul Bittar said that they will be reviewing the owners' training programme, adding that they have a lot more to do with Godolphin.
Al Zarooni's yard has been locked down by Godolphin, the report added. (ANI)
