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Connections of the hugely exciting Raaheeb have announced that he will not contest next month's Betfred Derby at Epsom.

A well-bred full brother to both the outstanding miler Baaeed and the top-class King George and Coronation Cup winner Hukum, Raaheeb took his record to two from two with an effortless success in the Classic Trial at Sandown last week.

That performance led to the talk of a bid at the Epsom Derby and whilst his trainer Owen Burrows was keen to let the dust settle, he will now no longer need to make the decision after the highly talented colt returned stiff from his latest outing.

"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."