St Nicholas Abbey misses Derby due to injury setback

"We always thought that St Nicholas Abbey could walk on water and it is very unfortunate for all concerned to have a setback like this so close to the big race."

St Nicholas Abbey was a brilliant winner of last year's Racing Post Trophy, extending his unbeaten juvenile record to three. He returned to the track last month in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, in which he finished sixth behind Makfi.

O'Brien still holds a strong hand at Epsom, however, with new favourite Jan Vermeer the subject of a sustained gamble over the last few days. The impressive Gallinule Stakes winner could be joined in the final line-up by stablemates Midas Touch, Cape Blanco, At First Sight and Bright Horizon.

St Nicholas Abbey's defection was branded by bookmakers William Hill as a "£3million body blow to punters". Hills spokesman David Hood said: "St Nicholas Abbey had been the long-time favourite for the Derby ever since his win in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster last October.

"Of course, ante-post liabilities are only a fraction of what is incurred on the day but we estimate that punters would already have stood to win in excess of £3m across the industry."