Willie Mullins has revealed he fears his horses could be “nobbled” with sedatives before next week’s Cheltenham Festival.

The Tullow Tank will not run at the Cheltenham Festival due to the “uncertainty” surrounding trainer Philip Fenton’s ongoing case for alleged possession of anabolic steroids, said his owner Barry Connell.

The trainer of Ireland’s leading Cheltenham Gold Cup candidate, Last Instalment, is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday charged with the possession of banned substances.

I was originally due to ride Rubi Ball, who is now out for the season, in the Hennessy at Leopardstown tomorrow and so instead will team up with an old friend, Tidal Bay, for another old friend, Paul Nicholls.

The Tullow Tank and Last Instalment impressed trainer Philip Fenton in a workout yesterday ahead of Sunday’s top-class fixture at Leopardstown.

Two of last season’s star novices could face off in the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday with Jezki and Rule The World on course to meet.