Former Goldolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni is set to appeal the eight ban handed down to him for doping horses. Al Zarooni who was recruited by Sheikh Mohammeds racing operation in 2010 admitted giving banned anabolic steroids to fifteen horses. He admitted that he smuggled the drugs into Britain in unmarked syringes and gave them to an unqualified vet to inject into the horses. No date has yet been set for the appeal into an event which has cast a dark cloud over the entire sport.

It’s been confirmed that unbeaten 2000 Guineas winner Dawn Approach will run in the Epsom Derby on June 1st. The decision was taken after talks between co owners Sheikh Mohammed and JIm Bolger after his five length victory in the first classic of the season. He is already short odds for the race. It was the first appearance at a British track for Sheikh Mohammed since the drugs controversy with the Godolphin stable.