BHA test results on Philip Fenton’s Cheltenham Festival entries expected next week

Results of tests on Philip Fenton’s Cheltenham entries, including Betfred Gold Cup hope Last Instalment, are expected next week after British Horseracing Authority (BHA) officials visited his yard on Wednesday.

The BHA also interviewed Fenton, who is set to appear at a Co Tipperary court on March 20th to answer charges brought about by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine following an inspection of his yard on January 18th, 2012.

Following consultation with the Turf Club, it had been agreed that samples from Fenton’s horses will be collected by the BHA and fast-track testing will take place at HFL Sport Science, Newmarket.

The visit was part of an ongoing process of gathering all relevant information regarding the issue. It is intended that blood and hair samples are taken for testing, with substances able to be detected in hair samples for a greater period of time than is the case with either blood or urine.

It is understood negative samples would not automatically mean the horses would be allowed to run at Cheltenham, should other issues arise as part of the BHA trip.

Served a summons
The Courts Service served a summons notice that Fenton has been served with a series of charges in relation to animal remedies. Should he be found guilty, punishments range from a maximum fine of €5,000 to a six-month term of imprisonment.

The case was adjourned after a brief hearing last Thursday after which one of Fenton’s leading owners, Barry Connell, announced he would not run any of his horses based with the trainer at Cheltenham, headed by dual Grade One-winning novice hurdler The Tullow Tank.

Meanwhile, Ruby Walsh would consider training Flat horses when he retires from the saddle. The star National Hunt jockey believes it would make more economic sense to snub jumps racing when he eventually calls time on a distinguished riding career.

Walsh (34) is, however, adamant retirement is not yet even a consideration. "The lifespan of a jockey has definitely increased in the last 10 years," he said at the Irish Examiner sports breakfast in Cork.

“Whereas 34, 35 used to be the norm, it now seems to be 40 so hopefully I’ve a few more years in me, but if I was to go training horses I would train Flat horses.

“Flat racing is a business, it’s where the money is. Jump racing, unfortunately, is the poor relation. Flat racing is global, worldwide.

“Jump racing is confined between ourselves, England, a small bit in France, a tiny bit in Australia and a little bit in America.”