SUFFOLK Constabulary is investigating whether to bring criminal charges against the racehorse trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni.

The British Horseracing Authority disqualified the Newmarket-based trainer for eight years last week after he admitted administering anabolic steroids to 15 horses in his care.

He has since apologised, saying he made a “catastrophic error”, after admitting he sanctioned the substance which is banned in British horseracing.

A police spokeswoman said: “Suffolk Constabulary is working with the British Horse Racing Authority to establish if any criminal offences have been committed.”

She said they would not be making any further comment about the investigation at this stage.

Sheikh Mohammed, the owner of Godolphin’s Moulton Paddocks stables in Newmarket – where Mr Zarooni trained – has said he was “appalled and angered” by the revelations.

Godolphin’s racing manager Simon Crisford said the racing stable was in an “awful situation” and that he had been “shocked” and “completely outraged” by Mr Zarooni’s behaviour.

Mr Crisford said: “Mr Al Zarooni acted with awful recklessness and caused tremendous damage, not only to Godolphin and British racing.

“We’re shocked and completely outraged by the actions he has taken.”

Mr Zarooni admitted wrongdoing last week and said he did not realise he had broken any rules as the horses were not racing at the time.