Mahmood Al Zarooni Explained

Mahmood Al Zarooni (born October 16, 1975) is an Emirati horse-racing trainer at the Godolphin horse-racing operation along with Saeed bin Suroor. He was born in Dubai, and became trainer on 24 March 2010, before the Dubai World Cup meeting. His first winner was Calming Influence, who won the Godolphin Mile.

On 22 April 2013, the British Horseracing Authority disclosed that 11 horses trained by Mahmood al-Zarooni tested positive for anabolic steroids. He admitted being in breach of the rules of racing. All 11 horses were banned from racing and Mahmood al-Zarooni faced disciplinary charges.^[1] On 25 April 2013, he was banned from racing for eight years.^{[2] [3]}

In June 2021, Al Zarooni announced his return to racing.^[4] His racing licence was returned by the Emirates Racing Authority and he is now based at the Sharjah Equestrian Club.^[5] His first runner since the ban was Major Cinnamon at Meydan Racecourse on November 4, finishing 12th.^[6]

Major wins

United Arab Emirates

• Dubai Sheema Classic – (1) – Rewilding (2011)
• Dubai World Cup – (1) – Monterosso (2012)

Great Britain

• St. Leger – (1) – Encke (2012)

Germany

• Deutsches Derby – (1) – Buzzword (2010)

Notes and References

1. News: Godolphin have 11 horses banned after testing positive for steroids . Sport . 22 April 2013 . The Guardian . 2013-04-23 . Wood, Greg . UK.
2. Web site: Godolphin doping: Eight-year ban for Mahmood Al Zarooni . 25 April 2013 . 25 April 2013. BBC Sport.
3. Web site: 2013-04-25. Mahmood al-Zarooni banned for eight years in Godolphin doping scandal. 2021-05-17. The Guardian. en.
4. Web site: Mahmood Al Zarooni to return to training following eight-year ban. 2022-01-27. www.racingpost.co.uk.
5. Web site: Mahmood Al Zarooni vows to ‘clean my name’ as he returns to training after eight-year ban. 2022-01-27. www.horseracingplanet.com.
6. Web site: 4th November 2021, Meydan 5:30pm Result. 2022-01-27. www.racingpost.co.uk.