Owner Barry Connell will not run his Philip Fenton-trained horses at Cheltenham due to uncertainty surrounding the trainer's ongoing case for alleged possession of anabolic steroids.

After a brief hearing on Thursday, the Fenton case was adjourned until March 20, nine days after the Festival is due to begin.

The Fenton-trained Volvalien and The Tullow Tank, who both race in Connell's silks, will be kept in training but will not run at Cheltenham.

"The case has been adjourned and due to the uncertainty surrounding the matter, I have decided the two horses I have in training with Philip won't run again until the matter is dealt with," Connell told Press Association Sport.

"Both horses will remain in training with Philip."

The Tullow Tank was prominent in the betting for the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at the Festival on March 12.

The case against Fenton was brought about by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine following an inspection of Fenton's yard on January 18, 2012.

The trainer faces eight charges over the alleged possession of banned animal remedies, including steroids.

Fenton's solicitor told the he wished to make submissions and was granted four weeks to prepare them.

The trainer's stock has been especially high of late following the exploits of Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Last Instalment, winner of the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown, and the 2009 Champion Bumper winner Dunguib, who was victorious at Navan last Sunday.

The British Horseracing Authority is liaising with the Irish Turf Club to gain as "much information as is currently available" about the Fenton case.

The Irish Turf Club is also "watching with interest" as Pat Hughes was named as a second trainer facing court charges related to the alleged possession of substances contrary to regulations.

Hughes appeared in court on February 13 on eight charges of possession of animal remedies following an inspection at the Irish Grand National-winning trainer's yard in February 2012.