It was revolting of trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni to administer Ethylestrenol and Stanozolol to 15 thoroughbreds owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum without heed of the physical consequences.
At the very least adding artificial strength to a racehorse can only place more strain on other parts of its body, especially its organs and joints.
Racing’s greatest doping scandal is being presented as a bad case of skulduggery, and an embarrassment to the sheikh, the sport’s foremost owner.
It is both those things and more, which is why those who questioned the speed of yesterday’s disciplinary process are right to say there should have been a full investigation to identify all the culprits.
Instead, the impression is of all parties uniting to nail Al Zarooni as fast as they can before normal business is resumed.
The authorities would be mistaken to think public indignation can be assuaged by a single high-profile perpetrator being warned off.
This scandal goes to the heart of the sport. However big his investment, the sheikh’s feelings and his ‘image’ are not paramount.