Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE, has appointed former Metropolitan Police chief Lord Stevens to conduct an internal inquiry into the drug-related incidents that have rocked his global equine empire.
Sheikh Mohammed’s organisations that will come under scrutiny by Lord Stevens include his Darley Racing Empire and Godolphin stable in Newmarket where former trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni was found guilty of giving banned anabolic steroids to 22 horses in April.
The problems surrounding Sheikh Mohammed’s equine empire deepened recently when illegal drugs were seized from a farm near Newmarket owned by Dubai’s Ruler.
“I have been asked by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed to oversee an internal inquiry that will examine organisational structures, internal communication and veterinary practices at all of the major components of Sheikh Mohammed’s equestrian properties and operations, including Darley, Godolphin, Meydan and Janah, the equine flight company,” Lord Stevens said.
“We will look into events surrounding the seizures at Stansted and Moorley Farm, including the chain of custody for the medications in question and their intended purpose.
“We will also look beyond those specific events for a wide-ranging assessment of veterinary procedures and practices to determine whether they are in support of horse welfare and in keeping with all applicable laws and regulations.
“Sheikh Mohammed is adamant that any evidence of violations of law or regulation in any jurisdiction should be shared with the appropriate authorities.
"Our primary focus is on preventing any future systemic failures. We will identify best practices and develop protocols and procedures to streamline and improve management and operations."
Sheikh Mohammed had asked his wife Princess Haya to conduct an inquiry into the breaches and she will work alongside Lord Stevens.
“Following my meeting with Princess Haya on Tuesday, I have begun assembling a team of experts for this task. At this earlier stage, it is difficult to predict when we will complete this project, but our work will undoubtedly extend into the new year.
"We have agreed that we will not wait until the inquiry is finished to suggest any improvements that should be implemented more quickly.”
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