Champion trainer Willie Mullins fears that his horses might be "nobbled" with sedatives before next week's Cheltenham Festival and describes a climate of apprehension and suspicion around doping in racing. With the start of Cheltenham only a week away, Mullins told the Guardian that he's anxious about the welfare of his animals and expressed surprise that the Irish Turf Club is not doing more to tackle the issues. He was asked if he was particularly worried about his horses' vulnerability before Cheltenham, where many of his runners are favourites to win, Mullins said:
"Totally. And it wouldn't surprise me. We have some very fancied horses and it would make a lot of money for someone if they were going to Cheltenham and they could alter the course of events. So we would be very aware and keep people away. Everyone should be vigilant – especially if you have a fancied horse. You've got to be."
The issue of drugs in Irish racing recently hit the headlines with the charging of trainer Philip Fenton with possession of anabolic steroids. The charges arose after the Department of Agriculture had originally raided his yard near Waterford in January 2012. Mullins told the Guardian he was surprised the Turf Club claimed it had not been aware of the situation for 18 months. He said: " I was shocked when I initially heard about it – two years ago. I was very surprised it didn't come to light sooner. "
