Philip Fenton, trainer of Irish Hennessy winner and Cheltenham Gold Cup third-favourite Last Instalment, is scheduled to appear at Carrick-on-Suir District Court on Thursday charged with the possession of banned substances.

The Department of Agriculture brought the case following an inspection of Fenton’s yard in January 2012.

A statement said: “The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine confirms that a hearing is scheduled for Carrick-on-Suir District Court on Thursday, February 20.

“Charges are being brought under the Animal Remedies legislation, alleging offences relating to possession of animal remedies.

“A person who commits one of the offences listed above is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding 5,000 euro or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months or to both.”

The Courts Service confirmed in a summons notice that Fenton, of Garryduff, South Lodge, Carrick-on-Suir, has been served with a series of charges in relation to animal remedies.

The case has been mentioned twice at the District Court and is due to be heard again on Thursday.

Fenton has been famed for his handling of not only Last Instalment but also former Champion Bumper hero Dunguib, who has been plagued by injury and won at Navan on Sunday, almost three years to the day of his last success.

Denis Egan, chief executive of the Turf Club, confirmed the body is aware of the hearing.

Egan said: “We are aware there is a case coming up and we will be there to see what happens. Once the case has concluded, we will take any appropriate action.

“We don’t know any specific details at this stage.”

Fenton was not available for comment.