Davids Lad won the Irish Grand National in 2001

The four-strong Eddie Joe's syndicate took its case all the way to the Dublin High Court after Davids Lad was suspended for six weeks in February.

But on Tuesday, judge Miss Justice Mella Carroll ruled in favour of the Irish Turf Club, which was also awarded costs.

The syndicate will now take its case to Dublin's Supreme Court in a last-ditch attempt to get clearance to run Davids Lad in British racing's showpiece event on 5 April.

It was very important for the integrity of racing that the judge reached this decision Turf Club chief Denis Egan

"We got no joy this morning and we're not too happy," said one of Davids Lad's owners, Mattie Lynch.

"We are going to go to the Supreme Court."

Davids Lad, who had been 14-1 second favourite for the Grand National, was suspended by stewards at Naas racecourse after finishing last in the Paddy & Helen Cox Memorial Newlands Chase.

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The stewards' ruling that the race had been used as a schooling ground for the Tony Martin-trained gelding was accepted by the Irish Turf Club.

An appeal was heard over two days at Dublin High Court last week, with the judgement deferred until Tuesday.

"It's a great result for racing. We are thrilled," said Turf Club chief executive Denis Egan.

"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 was not allowed to compete in the Mildmay of Flete Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last week.

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And his suspension is set to last until the day after the National.