Derby deemed to be coming too soon for Raaheeb Owners Shadwell have announced the hugely promising Raaheeb will not run in the Betfred Derby next month. A full-brother to champion miler Baaeed and multiple Group One winner Hukum, he won his only start at two and was a very impressive winner of the Classic Trial at Sandown last week. Trainer Owen Burrows had initially felt he lacked the experience to tackle Epsom, although having won so well it was natural conversations needed to be had. Unfortunately that decision has now been taken out of their hands after he returned stiff from Sandown. Condition Concerns Dictate Revised Summer Roadmap “I have had a long discussion with Owen Burrows regarding Raaheeb’s participation in the Derby after his impressive victory at Sandown last week,” Shadwell’s racing manager Angus Gold said in a statement. “Owen said that the horse had been stiff for a couple of days following the race, but whilst routine X-rays have revealed nothing untoward, he will have to give the horse a bit more time to get over the race before he goes back into full training. “Consequently, Owen feels he will not be able to have him in peak condition for the Derby; therefore, sadly, the decision has been made to bypass Epsom and give Raaheeb the time he needs, and we hope to have him ready for important targets later this summer.”
