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Setback for Johannes

Johannes Vermeer Johannes Vermeer
© Healy Racing Photos

Connections of Johannes Vermeer stressed he is unlikely to be ready in time for the Investec Derby after meeting with a setback.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt has all but been ruled out of contesting the Epsom Classic on June 4, for which he was a general 20-1 chance, after sustaining an injury to his hock.

After finishing second in the Racing Post Trophy on his penultimate start, the son of Galileo ended the campaign on a winning note with victory in the Group One Criterium International at Saint-Cloud in November.

Coolmore UK representative Kevin Buckley said: " It is not career-ending, it is just a hold up.

"He is not going to make a Guineas but he would have been more a horse for a Derby trial.

"Hopefully we will see him back in the middle to later part of the season."