NEWMARKET, ENGLAND // The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) testing team has begun work at the stables of the Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor.
After the veterinary team completed their task of running the rule over upwards of 150 horses housed at Mahmoud Al Zarooni's former base at Moulton Paddocks, they began testing at Stanley House Stables.
Bin Suroor's yard did not receive a visit from the testing team when they came calling at Moulton Paddocks on April 9, nor has it since 15 horses under Al Zarooni's charge tested positive for anabolic steroids.
Although the BHA stated that they reserved the right to go into Bin Suroor's yard in the wake of the findings pertaining to Al Zarooni, also a Godolphin trainer, it marks a step up in the investigation that continues to question Al Zarooni's former staff.
"In the interests of thoroughness, and for the sake of completeness, we have decided to test around 200 horses in Saeed bin Suroor's yard," said Robin Mounsey, a BHA spokesman. "Godolphin were keen to show ongoing transparency."
The BHA also warned that they reserve the right to prevent any overseas runner from competing in Britain should they believe the challenger is benefitting from anabolic steroids.
Anabolic steroids are legal in many countries, including the UAE and Australia.
Before racing in Britain, connections to foreign runners are required to fill out a form that outlines the medication history of their charge.
The 15 horses given anabolic steroids while under the care of Al Zarooni were banned by the BHA from racing in Britain for six months.
"There is no scientific fact as to how long anabolic steroids remain in the system for," Mounsey said.
Connections of Animal Kingdom stated this week that the Dubai World Cup and Kentucky Derby winner had never received anabolic steroids.
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