7 horses test positive for steroids

Seven more horses trained by Mahmood al-Zarooni have tested positive for anabolic steroids, bringing the total of positive-tested animals from the stable to 22.

The British Horseracing Authority began screening all horses trained by Zarooni in April after 15 animals at his Godolphin facility tested positive for the illegal drugs. Zarooni was suspended for eight years, and all 22 horses have been suspended for six months from the date blood samples were taken.

The seven horses that tested positive in the second, more expansive round include last year's St. Leger winner Encke. Encke tested negative after his September 15th victory.

A total of 391 Godolphin-owned horses training in Newmarket were tested between April 29 and May 2. Both Godolphin and Zarooni have the option of requesting secondary analysis of the samples.

Zarooni previously lodged a complaint with the British Horseracing Authority to appeal the length of his eight-year suspension.