Gigginstown backing for Fenton
Fenton is scheduled to appear at Carrick-on-Suir District Court tomorrow to answer charges brought about by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine following an inspection of his yard on January 18, 2012.
The Carrick-on-Suir handler is responsible for leading Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Last Instalment, a superb winner of the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown for the Gigginstown operation.
Gigginstown’s racing manager, Eddie O’Leary, said the case against Fenton was “an absolute storm in a teacup”.
He said: “I spoke to Philip on Monday and he’s more embarrassed than anything else. We should remember that this all happened two and a half years ago.
“We support Philip wholeheartedly. He has never had a positive test for anything. You could not meet a straighter, and more honest, fellow.”
Fenton’s stock has been especially high of late following the exploits of Last Instalment and the 2009 Cheltenham Champion Bumper winner Dunguib, who was victorious at Navan on Sunday.
The Tullow Tank is another Fenton-trained candidate for the Cheltenham Festival in March after winning three races, two of which were Grade Ones, this term.
O’Leary, brother of Ryanair supremo and fellow Gigginstown boss, Michael, is adamant Fenton will not be found guilty of any wrongdoing.
“This is an absolute storm in a teacup and I’m sure most normal people will see this for what it is.”
The Irish Courts Service confirmed in 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 Tullow Tank’s owner Barry Connell refused to be drawn on the Fenton case when contacted yesterday morning.
The British Horseracing Authority said it would be closely monitoring events in Ireland, with Cheltenham, the National Hunt season’s showpiece event, on the horizon.
