Ruby Walsh will miss the Betfair Hurdle card at Newbury after failing in his appeal against a three-day ban for careless riding.
Walsh fell foul of the stewards at Cheltenham last Saturday when his mount Pearl Swan leaned onto Grumeti in the final furlong of the JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial. Pearl Swan was demoted from first place with Walsh handed a three-day suspension, ruling him out of the February 11 card at Newbury.
He hoped to have the suspension reduced on appeal but his application was dismissed at a hearing by the British Horseracing Authority on Thursday.
"I can confirm that Ruby Walsh's appeal against his three-day ban has been dismissed," the BHA's Nicky Lander said.
While Walsh failed in his attempt to have the suspension overturned, his request for the second day of the ban to be deferred was successful and consequently he will now be free to ride in the Hennessy Gold Cup meeting at Leopardstown.
"There's not an awful to say other than I'm very disappointed," Walsh said after the hearing.
Walsh will miss the ride aboard Stan James Champion Hurdle hope Zarkandar who is due to make his return in the Betfair Hurdle.