Irish racing was propelled into a doping crisis on Thursday afternoon by a verdict in a small County Tipperary courtroom, as Philip Fenton, a leading jumps trainer with multiple Grade One victories to his name, was found guilty of eight charges of possessing banned animal remedies, including anabolic steroids, at his stable in nearby Garryduff. Fenton was fined €1,000 on six of the charges, with the two remaining charges taken into consideration, and ordered to pay €4,200 in costs and expenses, a total penalty of €10,200.
Fenton said after Thursday’s verdict that he would “consider an appeal” but refused to make any further comment on the outcome. However, Chris Gordon, the head of security for the Irish Turf Club, said that the sport’s regulator in Ireland would “take the appropriate steps following the conclusion of the court case”. Gordon added: “There will be an investigation commenced immediately and an interview with Philip Fenton will form part of the investigation.”
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