Now Encke is mired in Al Zarooni doping scandal

Following the former Godolphin trainer’s eight-year ban for administering banned drugs to 15 horses in his care, the British Horseracing Authority tested every inmate at his Moulton Paddocks yard in Newmarket. Those checks produced positive tests for another seven horses, including the Doncaster winner, with the steroid stanozolol found to be in their blood  samples.

Encke will now be suspended from running for six months, meaning he cannot return to action until 29 October. The other six horses – Energizer, Genius Beast, Improvisation, Stamford, Steeler and Zip Top – will also be barred from racing until then.

Encke made great strides in 2012, graduating from a Sandown handicap via Group-race places at Goodwood and York to foil the Triple Crown bid of Camelot.

In beating Aidan O’Brien’s charge by three-quarters of a length, Encke ended Camelot’s chances of emulating Nijinsky, who was the winner of the 2000 Guineas, Derby and Leger in 1970. The BHA said Encke was routinely tested after finishing third in the Great Voltigeur at York and after his Doncaster triumph, with the colt returning negative results .

Given his negative post-race test last September, the BHA said it was satisfied Encke was clear of any banned substances when landing his Classic success and would not be disqualified.

Al Zarooni has lodged an  appeal against the severity of his initial suspension and the BHA has confirmed it will not take any further action until that matter is resolved, with the last week in June currently mooted as a potential hearing date.

Adam Brickell, director of integrity, legal and risk for the BHA, said: “In the meantime, the latest findings from HFL Sport Science will form the subject  of further interviews as part  of the BHA’s continuing  investigation.”