Mahmood Al Zarooni apologises for Godolphin doping scandal

Mahmood Al Zarooni has apologised for his part in the Godolphin doping scandal after being banned for eight years by the British Horseracing Authority.

The 37-year-old trainer was punished on Wednesday following the BHA's decision to suspend 15 of the stable's horses for six months each due to testing positive for anabolic steroids.

"I apologise to [stable owner Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoumand] and all those at Godolphin, and the public who follow racing," Al Zarooni said in a statement.

"I accept it was my responsibility to be aware of rules and regulations around banned substances - I have made a catastrophic error."

Al Zarooni, who could have been banned for a maximum of 10 years, was hired by Sheikh Mohammed in March 2010.