Trainer Philip Fenton facing possible loss of trainer’s licence

Philip Fenton

is set to face the Turf Club’s Referrals Committee with his future as a trainer in the balance.

The Co Tipperary-based trainer was found guilty last month of possessing anabolic steroids and other banned substances at his stables during a Department of Agriculture inspection in January of 2012.

Fenton (49), a multiple Grade 1 winning trainer as well as former champion amateur jockey, was fined more than €10,000 at last month’s district court hearing.

The Turf Club has already interviewed Fenton as part of its own investigation and no delay is expected on a decision as to what punishment racing’s regulatory body imposes on him. Possible penalties include disqualification from holding a licence.

Fenton is scheduled to saddle a runner at Gowran, with Ange d'Or Javilex due to be ridden by Davy Russell in a two-mile novice hurdle.

Douvan is Willie Mullins’s runner in this and this horse, winner of his second start at Compèigne in June, can add to an earlier win for another Mullins recruit from France, Buiseness Sivola in the three-year-old hurdle.

Michael O’Leary’s €360,000 purchase Tell Us More lines up for the two-mile maiden hurdle and should be able to add to a point-to-point win and a bumper success at this track last March.

Exciting recruit

Don Poli

, winner of the conditional race at last season’s

Cheltenham

festival, subsequently stepped up to Grade 1 company at Punchestown and looks an exciting recruit to fences in the Beginners Chase.

The Grade 1 winner Ballycasey is Mullins’s runner in a competitive conditions chase but is officially rated identical to Moscow Mannon, who steps up to two and a half miles for the first time.