While the judge’s ruling means Barne Estate can now be sold to Maurice Regan for the €22.25m he agreed to pay some two years ago, there may yet be an appeal by John Magnier and his family to Judge Max Barrett’s ruling.

The family can only appeal the ruling on a point of law, arguing that the judge erred in law in coming to his conclusion.

The Magnier family has said they are disappointed with the outcome and will review the ruling, so it remains to be seen whether they will appeal or not.

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In the meantime, the judge will issue a formal order based on his ruling. This will include the matter of costs – and they will not be small.

A day in the High Court is estimated to amount to around €100,000 per day and the court sat for 19 days during the summer.

The enormous discovery process of this case – which included setting up a forensic lab in Jersey to examine digital documents – were raised in court as costing the Barne side at least €1m. The Coolmore side spent at least the same.

Informed sources suggest that each side could have spend at least €3m each on their respective legal case.

The judge has yet to decide who will pay the various costs, with this expected to happen in October.