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 4th, 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 1 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."

Ballydoyle are still responsible for the Derby favourite US Army Ranger who may appear next at Chester and last week's easy winner The Gurkha (20/1).