Top trainers Frederic Rossi and his nephews Cedric and Charley along with several other people have been taken into custody in Southern France.

Charley Rossi's wife the jockey Jessica Marcialis was also detained, as were a Vet and stable staff.  This follows an investigation by the Services Central des Courses et Jeux.

Cedric Rossi is the trainer of Sealiway, winner of the Champion Stakes G1 at Ascot in October.  The horse had originally been trained by Frederic but had his last two starts under Cedric's name.  Sealiway was supposed to be in training for the Saudi Cup and it appears he has been transferred now to Chantilly.

Jessica Marcialis was not named when her brother Andrea and sister Elisabetta were involved in a conspiracy to have their horses run in the name of another trainer.  Andrea was also implicated in a doping incident involving anabolic steroids when another trainer saw him carrying a large syringe to his car in the carpark at Saint Cloud.

French racing invests 10 millions Euros into anti-doping which involves testing of horses both in and out of competition etc.