Kerry owners of Cheltenham hopeful distance themselves from businessman charged with major drugs haul

Stumptown ridden by Keith Donoghue wins The Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in January. Picture: Healy Racing

The Kerry owners of Cheltenham Festival hope Stumptown have moved to distance themselves from the Tralee businessman charged in connection with a major drugs shipment investigation before the courts.

The horse, which goes in the Ultima Handicap Chase on the opening day of the festival, is owned by a syndicate of local businessmen in Kerry, one of which was Nathan McDonnell, a director of Ballyseedy Garden Centre, who is currently before the courts on charges relating to possession of drugs for sale or supply.