Unauthorised medicines seized at sheikh’s stud
Although there is no suspicion the haul was destined for the thoroughbred side of the sheikh’s operation, the discovery of so many unauthorised medicines on the premises comes in the wake of the doping scandal earlier this year caused by disgraced Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni, since banned from the sport for eight years.
The products, which have not been named, were found at Moorley Farm East, which provides the base within the sprawling estate for the endurance horses owned by members of the Maktoum family.
The latest seizure notice, issued under regulation 41 of Veterinary Medicines Regulations and posted on the VMD website, said: “Moorley Farm East, Newmarket. 124 veterinary medicinal products were seized because they were not authorised in the UK and had not been imported into the UK in accordance with the regulations. These medicines, in varying quantities, were to be used on horses and included injectables, anaesthetics, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics.”
Asked about the latest controversy to embroil the sheikh’s equine empire, Dalham Hall Stud director Liam O’Rourke, said: “There’s no connection with the thoroughbred operation.”
BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey said the issue was a matter for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He added: “The property in question is not licensed by the BHA and we understand it isn’t part of Darley’s racing operation.”
* Royal Diamond could miss Sunday’s Gain Irish St Leger at the Curragh in favour of a tilt at the Caulfield Cup in Australia next month.
The Johnny Murtagh-trained seven-year-old clinched Group One glory at the Curragh 12 months ago and appeared set to defend his crown on Sunday after winning the Irish Leger Trial over the course and distance in late August.
But due to quarantine restrictions, Royal Diamond would not be allowed to run in the Irish Leger as well as the Caulfield Cup on October 16.
Connections must now make a straight choice between the two.
Royal Diamond features among 18 remaining entries, with Aidan O'Brien having left in Chamonix, Ernest Hemingway, Leading Light and Victory Song.
There is a strong British representation, headed by Tom Dascombe’s Goodwood Cup hero Brown Panther.
Godolphin’s Ahzeemah, Ed Dunlop’s globetrotting Red Cadeaux and Lady Cecil’s talented filly Wild Coco could also run.
Other contenders include the John Oxx-trained Saddler’s Rock and Dermot Weld’s duo of Pale Mimosa and Voleuse De Coeurs.
David Wachman’s Galileo Rock is still engaged, but he is instead expected to take in the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster on Saturday.
