Among the seven horses to have ingested the banned substances include 2012 St Leger winner Encke. All of them were trained by the now disgraced Mahmood Al Zarooni.

Al Zarooni is appealing against the severity of an eight-year ban that was imposed last month following his admission that he doped 15 horses.

Tests have since been carried out on around 200 horses at a stable run by fellow Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor, all of which came back negative.

Godolphin is one of the largest racehorse operations in the world, with two major stables in Newmarket.

Racing manager with the outfit Simon Crisford commented: "It is obviously very disappointing that seven further horses have tested positive for stanozolol."

Mr Crisford added that these results justify the decision to lock down the stables before all of the horses could be tested.

The rider was given a six-month ban after testing positive at Longchamp in France last September, however, it had not been confirmed what substance he had taken until now.

Ahead of his expected return to action on Monday (May 20th), the jockey told Channel 4 News that he took the drug in a "moment of weakness".

The Italian will be a freelance rider this season for the first time in 18 years after splitting with the Godolphin racing team last year.

He said the embarrassment of telling his children why he had been suspended led to a "very difficult time".

The star continued by stating: "[I] paid a very big price. I spent six months not doing the thing that I love – racing."

Flat racing is set to see the return of its most colourful character when Frankie Dettori’s six-month drugs ban comes to an end on May 20th 2013. The sport has missed his smile and friendly attitude towards fans and journalists, but personality is not the only reason the Italian jockey’s absence has been so keenly felt.

The 42-year-old is one of the all-time greats, having had winners in big races around the world. He has been fortunate enough to be the stable jockey for both Luca Cumani and Godolphin, but his success is not only due to the quality of horses he has ridden.

In 1990, Dettori won his first Group 1 race, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Markofdistinction. He went on to specialise in success on the big occasion and has since amassed more than 100 Group 1 victories.

It was only a matter of time until he won one of the English Classics and the moment finally arrived in 1995, when he partnered Classic Cliche to success in the St Leger. He has since won a further four St Legers, three 1,000 Guineas, two 2,000 Guineas and three Oaks. The one race that continued to elude Dettori was the Derby, but that changed in 2007 when he romped to victory on Authorized.

The Italian’s CV also includes being crowned Champion Jockey three times and wins in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Breeders Cup Turf and Dubai World Cup. Of course, no one who purchases horse insurance from Horse-Insurance.co.uk will ever forget Dettori’s ‘Magnificent Seven’, when he won every race on the card at Ascot in 1996 and reduced bookmakers across the country to tears.

When Dettori returns, he will not have the advantage of being Godolphin’s stable jockey, but leading trainers in Newmarket and Ireland are keen to work with him on a freelance basis. He is certain to be first in line for spare rides in top races, so it would take a brave punter to bet against the likeable star winning more Classics.

The best horses from these 12th century races were then bred with other horses, to create what we now call thoroughbred breeds. From 1660 to 1685, King Charles II used to hold private horse races, between two horses, with prizes awarded to the winning breeders. This then progressed further from 1702, when Queen Anne was on the throne, as the races were made public and involved more horses. Spectators could place bets on the horses they thought would win, and suddenly horse racing was a professional sport. Race courses began to spring up all over the UK, including Ascot in 1711.

In 1750 the Jockey Club was created, which included horse racing experts, breeders and winners. They decided that the sport needed to be overseen, and therefore created a list of rules and regulations to control English horse racing. They were also given the task of regulating the breeding of horses, and verifying the pedigree or family history of modern horses. The Jockey Club continue to regulate horse racing today, although there is now the British Horseracing Board who are the true governing authority.

Many of the rules, and regulations, set up by the Jockey Club are still used in 21st century horse racing, including the verification of pedigree and thoroughbreds. The only differences are that we can now get horse insurance online, and watch the racing on the television, thanks to modern technology!

Those who are deciding between purchasing a horse, or a pony, will want to know the differences between these two incredible animals. Although it may seem as though they are very similar, there are some distinct differences in appearance, as well as behaviour. Knowing these unique attributes can help you make a more informed decision about which animal is best for you, and your needs.

Height and Frame

One of the most distinct differences between a horse and a pony, will be their height. Ponies are generally under 14.2 hands (1 hand is 4 inches), and many popular breeds are under 10 hands. Horses can be a lot bigger, especially those which are thoroughbred, however miniature horses can actually be around 30 inches! It is important to understand that although height can play a big part, it is not the only difference between a horse and a pony. Ponies tend to have a much stockier frame, with shorter legs and barrel chests. Horses are much more narrow, which gives them an elegant look, especially around their face and neck.

Temperaments

It is thought that ponies have a lot calmer temperament than horses, although it can all depend on the breed and the training and owner. Ponies can be a lot more stubborn than horses however, due to having a high level of equine intelligence. Horses are also intelligent, yet react more positively to persuasion and training. As long as a horse is trained correctly, you will find that it can be just as calm and gentle as a pony. It is important that you thoroughly research the breed you are interested in, to make sure their temperament suits you. It is also important to ensure you look into equine insurance from Horse-Insurance.co.uk to see the different insurance options available for your chosen breed.

Al Zarooni admitted giving prohibited anabolic steroids to a total of 15 horses in his stable and he was banned following a disciplinary hearing three days after the scandal.

A date has not yet been set for an appeal, but this should be forthcoming in the next few days.

In the findings of the disciplinary panel, published on April 30th, Al Zarooni was accused of "deliberate flouting" of the rules and the "widespread systematic misuse of illegal substances".

BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght told the news provider the decision to appeal has come as a "major surprise".

He added: "The general feeling was that after his ban Al Zarooni would vanish from view having admitted being the most notorious drugs cheat in modern racing history."

The horse insurance policies cover foals from 31 days upwards and provide cover for illness and disease up to the age of 20 years.

Horse-insurance.co.uk has an easy to use quotation system which will enable users to build a policy specific to their requirements online. They can obtain your horse insurance quotes instantly and then proceed to instant cover.

Mandatory policy benefits are:

• Death or Slaughter and Theft or Straying

Optional benefits can include:

• Public Liability

• Permanent Loss of Use

• Personal Accident

• Stable Cover

• Vet’s Fees

• Saddlery and Tack

• Hire of Horse

A customer can select as many or as few of the optional benefits as they wish which means they only pay for the cover they need.

It can be quite a daunting task to carry out a horse insurance comparison as many horse insurance quotes will have to be carried out as well as checking insurance covers from a variety of horse insurance companies. Horse-insurance.co.uk makes horse insurance products as simple as possible.

The website provides useful information about equine insurance products, policy wording and summary to help customers make an informed decision when applying for a policy online. It’s hassle free, easy and quick! Should any queries arise, the team are only a phone a call away!

Can Andrew Nicholson make a Grand Slam Showdown?

As Andrew Nicholson has won Burghley, Blenheim, Boekelo and Pau in succession, if he wins the Kentucky he will go head-to-head for the Rolex Grand Slam with William Fox-Pitt.

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is starting today and it will be interesting to see if we will have a first ever hear head-to-head.

At Kentucky, Andrew is riding Calico Joe and Quimbo and William is on Seacookie TSF and Chilli Morning.

More than a horse insurance website…

Horse insurance is not the only feature on Horse-insurance.co.uk as the site also includes some really helpful Horse Care Hints and Tips such as daily requirements, horse health, travelling with the horse, security advice and FAQs.

The website is also regularly updated with the latest horse related news to keep the customer informed with what’s going on in the Equine world.

End.

Contact:

Name: Dora Kolacsek

Telephone: 01423 333419

Email address: dkolacsek@eandl.co.uk

Notes for Editors:

1. The company logo is available upon request

The Equine and Livestock Insurance Co. Ltd (E&L®) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (reg. no. 202748). Registered address: Thorpe Underwood Hall, Ouseburn, York, YO26 9SS

Mr Al Zarooni claimed that he didn't know he was breaking rules on banned substances by giving these horses the injection.

A total of eleven horses trained by Al Zarooni tested positive for anabolic steroids and he admitted doping a further four at the hearing last week.

Godolphin is one the largest racing operations in the world, led by the ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The BHA bans any use of anabolic steroids, but they are permitted out of competition in a number of other countries including Dubai and Australia.

"Al Zarooni's assertion at the hearing that he did not know that such administration was not permitted in the UK was simply not truthful," the BHA report stated.

The event saw athletes pitched against riders on horseback, racing along a 26 km course through the stunning scenery surrounding the famous lake.

It kicked off with the runners departing from the Whitebridge Hotel at 11:00am, followed by the riders in staggered starts afterwards.

The course encompassed parts of the Trail of the Seven Lochs and the South Loch Ness Trail, as competitors climbed up the 'Corkscrew' next to the crag of Dun Deardail, mastered the 'Fair Haired Lad's Pass', descended back down to the shores of the beautiful Loch before finishing at the home of the race – Loch Ness Riding at Drummond Farm in Dores.

After a gruelling race, tea and cakes were served up to all the competitors, while prizes and rosettes were given out.

Horse-insurance.co.uk offers comprehensive cover for your horse or pony and give you the freedom to choose a policy that suits your requirements. We are dedicated to providing you with competitive premiums and a great product.

The horse insurance policies cover foals from 31 days upwards and we provide cover for illness and disease up to the age of 20 years.

Horse-insurance.co.uk has an easy to use quotation system which will enable you to build a policy specific to your requirements online. You can obtain your horse insurance quotes instantly and then proceed to instant cover.

Mandatory policy benefits are:

• Death or Slaughter and Theft or Straying

Optional benefits can include:

• Public Liability

• Permanent Loss of Use

• Personal Accident

• Stable Cover

• Vet’s Fees

• Saddlery and Tack

• Hire of Horse

You can select as many or as few of the optional benefits as you wish which means you only pay for the cover you need.

It can be quite a daunting task to carry out a horse insurance comparison as many horse insurance quotes will have to be carried out as well as checking insurance covers from a variety of horse insurance companies. We have tried to make our horse insurance product as simple as possible.

Our website provides useful information about our equine insurance products, policy wording and summary to help our customers make an informed decision when applying for a policy online. It’s hassle free, easy and quick! Should any queries arise, we are only a phone a call away!

Grand National: Animal Rights Campaigners Protest Following Horse Deaths…

A horse named Battlefront died on the first day of this year’s meeting at Aintree. The horse was ridden by Katie Walsh and was pulled up (withdrawn from competition) during the fourth race. Battlefront later died of a heart attack. The horse was the 23^rd horse to die on the Grand National course since 2000.

Significant changes were made to the course for this year’s meeting to improve safety and reduce the risk of more horse deaths. This was due to the death of two race horses last year, According to Pete and Synchronised.

This year’s big race was won by an outsider, Auroras Encore whose odds peaked at 66/1. Auroras Encore was followed by Cappa Bleu at 12-1 and then Teaforthree at 10-1.

Although significant changes were made to the way the races were conducted, animal rights campaigners have still deemed the race unethical and were protesting outside various bookmakers in the UK. However, many horse owners still support horse racing despite the danger it poses to the race horses.

More than a horse insurance website…

When visiting Horse-insurance.co.uk, horse insurance is not the only feature as it also includes some really helpful Horse Care Hints and Tips such as daily requirements, horse health, travelling with your horse, security advice and FAQs.

We also update our site with the latest horse related news daily to keep you informed with what’s going on in the Equine world.

End.

Contact:

Name: Lee Shipley
Telephone: 01423 333432
Email address: lshipley@eandl.co.uk

Notes for Editors:

1. Our company logo is available upon request

The Equine and Livestock Insurance Co. Ltd (E&L®) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (reg. no. 202748). Registered address: Thorpe Underwood Hall, York