OFFICIALS FROM THE British Horseracing Authority will visit Irish trainer Philip Fenton’s yard to test the horses he is sending to the Cheltenham Festival.
Fenton is at the centre of an ongoing court case for alleged possession of unauthorised animal remedies, including anabolic steroids, dating back to an inspection in January 2012.
The case was adjourned last week until 20 March, a week after the jumps racing showpiece takes place in the Cotswolds.
“Following the adjournment of the court case, we want to take steps which serve to uphold public confidence in the relevant races at the Cheltenham Festival, and the sport in general,” BHA Chief Executive Paul Bittar said.
“The testing of the Fenton-trained horses will form a part of the decision making process as to how best to achieve this objective.”
The BHA will also interview Fenton as part of their attempts to gather information on the case.
The Tipperary trainer’s Cheltenham team was expected to include leading fancy The Tullow Tank.
But owner Barry O’Connell withdrew his star novice from the Festival following the adjournment of the court case.
Another Fenton hopeful Last Instalment, owned by Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary, will run in the blue riband Gold Cup as expected.
Bittar said: “Any development or set of circumstances which brings the integrity of our sport into question is of considerable concern.
“The events of 2013 highlighted the need to increase the deterrent against the misuse of drugs and medication, and in particular anabolic steroids. Since then significant steps have been taken towards achieving a set of international minimum standards, with a number of jurisdictions adopting a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of steroids in racing.
“Meanwhile in Britain we have announced a doubling in the scale of our testing-in-training programme and we are looking forward to publishing in the spring the findings of a report commissioned to establish standards in Britain which exceed the minimum international standard.
“Although the inspection at Philip Fenton’s yard took place in Ireland over two years ago, and therefore before recent upgrades in deterrents in this country, there is no room for complacency.
“We consider it incumbent upon all involved with British and Irish racing, not just the authorities, to demonstrate their opposition to the misuse of drugs and medication, in particular anabolic steroids, and be open and transparent about all practices.”
