Ruby Walsh loses appeal

Ruby Walsh has been unsuccessful in his appeal of a three-day careless riding ban to the British Horseracing Authority.

The reigning Irish National Hunt champion was hit with the suspension after his mount, Pearl Swan, leaned onto Grumeti during last weekend's JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham.

The BHA's Nicky Lander said: "I can confirm that Ruby Walsh's appeal against his three-day ban has been dismissed."

The infringement was deemed serious enough to affect the outcome of the race and the jockey will miss the Betfair Hurdle fixture at Newbury on February 11.