Under-fire Phoenix Thoroughbreds banned from running horses in France

Amer Abdulaziz takes a photo of his daughter with Frankie Dettori at Deauville in 2018Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Phoenix Thoroughbreds has been banned from racing horses in France with immediate effect, the latest blow to the beleaguered operation which this week said it was withdrawing from Britain.

Big-spending Phoenix has been under intense scrutiny since its founder Amer Abdulaziz Salman was alleged in a US court to be a key money launderer for the fake cryptocurrency scam OneCoin.

Phoenix and Abdulaziz deny the allegations but a string of high-profile racing professionals and key associates have cut ties with the organisation since the allegations emerged in a New York court last November.

France Galop has yet to officially confirm the ban but evidence of its impact came on Friday as two entries for the Archie Watson-trained Jojo Rabbit in forthcoming races, including Saturday’s Listed Prix de la Vallee d’Auge at Deauville, were cancelled by the regulator. Watson did not respond to a request for comment.

The Racing Post understands the ban, which applies to Phoenix Thoroughbreds and the affiliated Phoenix Ladies Syndicate, came about due to concerns over the source of Phoenix’s funds.

Amer Abdulaziz Salman: the subject of allegations made in a US courtroomCredit: Sarah Farnsworth

It is the first time official action has been taken by a racing authority against Phoenix and Abdulaziz since the money laundering allegations emerged nine months ago.

Nevertheless, Phoenix continues to have a significant global presence with the operation having interests in racehorses, broodmares, stallions and youngstock spanning Australia, America, Britain, Ireland and the UAE.

Earlier this week Phoenix announced Britain would no longer be a part of its plans, with the group planning to cease racing operations “with immediate effect”, although it continues to have entries and runners.

The Racing Post understands France Galop has written to the BHA to provide an update on the ban and reiterate that no entries will be accepted for Phoenix horses trained in Britain. On Friday, the BHA offered no comment on the exit of Phoenix or on the French restrictions.

No Phoenix-owned horses are trained in France, but since exploding on to the scene in March 2017 the group has enjoyed significant success in the country with the likes of 2018 Prix Robert Papin winner Signora Cabello and last year’s Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest scorer Advertise.

With Phoenix exiting Britain and banned from France, it is increasingly turning to other racing nations for expansion and on Thursday outlined a commitment to Australia, where it revealed in a statement that it remains an active purchaser at sales and in private despite not officially appearing as buyer at any auction this year.

Two of Phoenix’s leading Australian representatives, Golden Slipper winner Farnan and Prague, on Friday geared up for returns to the racecourse with success in barrier trials, while Loving Gaby, a Group 1 winner for Phoenix, is being targeted at The Everest, the world’s richest turf race with a prize fund of A$15m (£8.2m).

The activities of Phoenix have been in the spotlight since Abdulaziz was alleged last year to be a key money launderer for the $4 billion fraud OneCoin.

Dimanche 2019;Deauville;LARC PRIX MAURICE DE GHEEST - G1;Tom Andrew EAVES;Lanfranco DETTORI;PHOENIX THOROUGHBRED LIMITED I;Martyn MEADE;CHEVELEY PARK STUD;SCOOPDYGA - CHOURAQUI Elliott

Advertise (white silks) wins last year's Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville

Following the Racing Post’s reporting of the allegations, along with the subsequent revelation that Abdulaziz’s Luxembourg-registered fund, Phoenix Luxembourg Fund SICAV-RAIF, was in voluntary liquidation having never been regulated or operational, a number of associates have cut ties with the organisation, including trainers Bob Baffert and Martyn Meade.

Abdulaziz and Pamela Cordina, manager of the Phoenix Ladies Syndicate, did not respond to requests for comment on Friday.

In a statement released last November, Phoenix said: "Phoenix Fund Investments LLC categorically denies all allegations made against it, and its owner, Mr Amer Abdulaziz, in legal proceedings against OneCoin and its conspirators in the US.

"Phoenix Fund Investments LLC believes that the firm and Mr Amer Abdulaziz have acted according to the law at all times, and will vigorously contest all allegations of wrongdoing."

Read more on this story:

Phoenix Thoroughbreds to end racing operations in Britain

Racing Victoria monitoring allegations made against Phoenix founder Abdulaziz

How Phoenix burst on to the scene but became embroiled by OneCoin allegations

The questions that Phoenix Thoroughbreds won't answer

BHA: any investigation into Phoenix Thoroughbreds is up to legal authorities

Top Phoenix Thoroughbreds executive cuts ties after money laundering allegations

Ludt exit latest in string of departures from troubled Phoenix

Phoenix Thoroughbreds founder accused of stealing €100m from global Ponzi scam

Revealed: Phoenix racing fund was never regulated - and is now in liquidation

OneCoin scammers had office in premises operated by Phoenix boss

Meade cuts Phoenix tie after money laundering allegation