Endurance trainer Jaume Punti Dachs insists there was no suggestion of “wilful or careless wrongdoing” after a consignment of his veterinary products was seized from Moorley Farm East in Newmarket last month.
Moorley Farm is listed as owned by Darley Stud Management Co Ltd, the banner company of Sheikh Mohammed’s breeding operation.
Punti Dachs, who trains endurance horses on Sheikh Mohammed’s estate, said the medical products which were taken by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate were “lawfully and legally” used in the United Kingdom.
The Spanish-born handler said in a statement: “My stable in Newmarket was visited by the Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) authorities early August, where they searched the premises, and found normal medications that I brought to the UK and they confiscated them because they are not licensed in this country.
“My wife and I compete regularly in the endurance sport, and I am proud that we hold the 2009 European Championships, and 2010 World Championship for Spain and totally expected ‘visits’ like this.
“These ‘visits’ are natural/routine. These are all substances that you can buy in the UK, under a different trade name, and are standard medicine cabinet in any stables.
“I know that these medicines are lawfully and legally used in the UK.
“However, the make/labels of the veterinary medicines in this case may be slightly different as they were purchased by me outside the UK, and the authorities know that.
“They explained to me after their visit how to source the same medicines at the Newmarket Equine Hospital, and the following day I went and got them.
“In the circumstances, VMD (Veterinary Medicines Directorate) were entirely entitled to confiscate the products. I am fully satisfied with their actions.
“I must emphasise that there is no indication whatsoever or any suggestion of any wilful or careless wrongdoing.”
Sheikh Mohammed’s then-Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni caused
