DAVIDS LAD APPEAL REJECTED IN HIGH COURT

The connections of Davids Lad have failed in their bid to have the 42-day ban lifted.

The judge Miss Mella Carroll ruled in favour of the Turf Club, who were also awarded costs.

The ruling means that Tony Martin's leading Martell Grand National contender cannot run in the Aintree showpiece.

The horse`s owners, the four-strong Eddie Joe`s syndicate, intend to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

'We got no joy this morning and we`re not too happy,' said one of the owners,

Mattie Lynch. 'We are going to go to the Supreme Court.'

But the outcome was well received by the Turf Club. Chief Executive Denis Egan said: 'It`s a great result for racing. We are thrilled.'

'It was very important for the integrity of racing that the judge reached the decision that she did as it has confirmed the right of the stewards to suspend a horse.'

Davids Lad had been 14-1 second favourite to take the honours at Aintree on April 5. What makes this ordeal even worse for connections is that the ban will end just one day after the big race.

The long-running saga began when Davids Lad finished last in the Paddy & Helen Cox Memorial Newlands Chase at Naas on February 23.

The stewards found the racecourse had been used as a training ground and that Murphy had made insufficient effort aboard the horse.

Murphy was subsequently banned for seven days, Martin fined ?1,000 and Davids Lad banned for 42 days.

The horse`s owners took their case to court after their appeal against the suspension was turned down by the Turf Club`s Appeals & Referrals Committee.

The owners then successfully made an ex-parte application to the High Court for a stay on the decision which was then successfully challenged by the Turf Club resulting in a two-day hearing and Tuesday's judgement.

Now Davids Lad may have to settle for a crack at the Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on April 21 - a race he won two years ago.