Al Zarooni appeals eight-year ban

Mahmood Al Zarooni has lodged an appeal against the severity of his eight-year suspension from training.

Al Zarooni, 37, was found guilty of administering anabolic steroids to 15 horses in his care at a BHA hearing on April 25.

The former Godolphin handler, who was based at Moulton Paddocks in Newmarket, was officially charged with rule breaches related to prohibited substances, duty to keep medication records, and conduct prejudicial to racing.

The BHA said in a statement he will now contest the length of the eight-year ban, with the date for the appeal hearing to be confirmed in due course.