A Durham horse trainer is to plead not guilty to failing to provide adequate care to a horse which later died.
Richard Guest, 41, is facing three charges brought by the RSPCA following the death of five-year-old mare, What's a Filly, last year.
Durham Magistrates' Court was told he intended to deny the charge and the case was adjourned until 15 September.
Mr Guest, of Brancepeth Manor Stables, near Durham city, who won the 2001 Grand National, was not in court.
The trainer is charged alongside his head girl Louise Tidman, 34, and head lad Richard Dalton, 41, with one count of omitting to provide a horse with veterinary care, and a second charge of failing to seek veterinary advice.
Mr Guest also faces a charge of failing to exercise reasonable care and supervision. All charges were brought under the Protection of Animals Act.
During the five-minute hearing, the court was told that all defendants were intending to plead not guilty.
What's a Filly was seen in competitive action 10 times and registered just one victory at Kelso in December 2004 - when she was sent off at odds of 100-1.
Mr Guest rode to victory in the Grand National on Red Marauder.
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