Burrows retains full faith in Raaheeb

Owen Burrows insists he has not lost faith in Raaheeb despite the previously unbeaten colt finishing fourth in the Irish Derby on Sunday.

The Lambourn trainer admitted connections were “disappointed” with a defeat, one which he put down to the colt failing to get home over the stiff mile and a half trip.

But he maintained there remains plenty to look forward to with a horse he still believes can hit the heights, even if owners Shadwell have to wait until next season to see him reach his full potential.

“We were obviously disappointed not to be winning but I felt we learned plenty. Interestingly, and I didn’t think I would be using this as an excuse beforehand, Rossa (Ryan) said he didn’t stay,” said Burrows.

“He felt turning in he had plenty of horse under him and he didn’t see it out as well as we would have thought. So probably, where he is physically at the moment, he’s not quite strong enough to do it.

“Rossa certainly said he wouldn’t rule it out next year when he has matured and strengthened again but for the moment a mile and a quarter is his trip.”

The Sea The Stars colt was an impressive winner of the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown in April but missed Epsom after pulling up with stiffness in the days following the race.

With the colt still in transit from Ireland on route to Burrows’ Lambourn yard the trainer has not had chance to see how he is this time but admitted he would not be surprised if he was stiff again.

“We will see how he is when he gets back but I can imagine he might be a bit similar. The ground was a touch quicker so we will just see. I won’t be looking to get him out too quickly anyway.,” he said.

“We were always looking to mind him this year anyway, with his pedigree we feel he is going to be a better horse when he gets older. We will see how he is and go from there.”

Burrows faith in the horse remains unshaken, though, with him predicting another big step forward when the colt is next seen on a racecourse.

“Once his chance had gone he looked after him but he was clear of the fifth,” said the trainer. “It was only his third ever run and he has two Derby winners in front of him and another in Pierre Bonnard who won a Group One as a two-year-old.

“For a third run it is still a fair effort so yes, we are disappointed, but we have not lost faith in him. I’m sure he will take a big step forward from that.”