Simon Crisford has resigned as racing manager of Godolphin, a role he has
held since the stable’s inception in 1989, and has accepted the position as
Sheikh Mohammed’s global racing advisor, according to a release highlighting
changes the operation has made in the wake of an extensive review led by Lord
Stevens. The review, which concluded the operation’s former trainer Mahmood Al
Zarooni acted alone, was still critical of how Godolphin handled a doping
scandal last summer.
According to the release, “The roles of Saeed Bin Suroor of Al Quoz Stables
and Stanley House, and Charlie Appleby of Moulton Paddocks and Al Asifa Stables
will be re-emphasized as the people ultimately responsible for their particular
stables; they hold the delegated authority of the owner as defined by the
condition of their license. They will also serve as the chief spokesmen for
their respective stables and Godolphin. As a result of these changes, the
position of Racing Manager for Godolphin no longer exists.”
In addition, a new board of directors will be announced and will include HH
Sheikh Juma bin Dalmook Al Maktoum and Altaf Noorani. Hugh Anderson will become
managing director of the Godolphin Racing Office and Godolphin trainers in the
U.S., France and Ireland will report to John Ferguson.
“Having dealt with the events of last year and seen the Lord Stevens inquiry
through to its conclusion, I thought that this was a good moment to bring my
time at Godolphin to a close,” Crisford told Racing Post. “I had felt for
a while that I would like a fresh challenge. I think the time is right for a new
start for the stable and for me. Sheikh Mohammed has asked me to take on a new
role as his global racing adviser. I am delighted to have accepted that position
and I am very much looking forward to what will be an exciting new chapter for
me.”
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