OpinionJulian Muscat
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Godolphin's triumphant Classic weekend proves that the phoenix has truly risen from the ashes of the Al Zarooni scandal

From the scandal-fuelled bonfire has emerged a streamlined monster

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Celebrations after Ruling Court's 2,000 Guineas victory under William Buick
Celebrations after Ruling Court's 2,000 Guineas victory under William BuickCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com.photos)

Godolphin’s remarkable weekend brought confirmation that the phoenix has well and truly risen. From the scandal-fuelled bonfire lit by Mahmood Al Zarooni 12 years ago has emerged a streamlined monster which devoured the biggest prizes on either side of the Atlantic as the nascent Flat season sprang to life.

Who would have thought it? Back in 2013, when Al Zarooni was banned for administering anabolic steroids to 15 horses in his care, a potential outcome could have been Sheikh Mohammed’s withdrawal from the sport.

Instead, Godolphin has morphed from a bloated outfit going nowhere into a leaner, more focused organisation after a series of wholesale changes from top to bottom.

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Published on inJulian Muscat

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