Davids Lad won the Irish Grand National in 2001

Trainer Tony Martin had declared the nine-year-old to run in Wednesday's Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup Handicap Chase as part of his build-up to the Martell Cognac Grand National.

But the battle is not over as a full hearing will be held in the Dublin on Thursday, 13 March, to finally determine whether the horse's 42-day suspension will stand, ruling him out of Aintree.

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

Stewards found the racecourse had been used as a training ground and that jockey Timmy Murphy had made insufficient effort in the saddle.

Murphy was banned for seven days, trainer Martin fined 1,000 euros 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 today reversed following a challenge from the Turf Club.