More English raids on the cards for Epicuris

British racegoers could see more of Epicuris this summer following his honourable run in the Investec Derby at Epsom on Saturday.

The French colt travelled fluently for a long way in the Classic but he appeared not to stay the mile-and-a-half trip, eventually finishing fifth behind Golden Horn.

That was the view of trainer Criquette Head-Maarek, who will now consider races over shorter distances for the Group One winner.

Epicuris is not without his foibles, though, and has grown dependent upon the help of Nicolas Blondeau, a renowned horse behavioural expert.

French rules prevent anyone other than official stalls handlers assisting horses at the start, so Head-Maarek and owner Khalid Abdullah will continue to look at overseas targets for the son of Rail Link.

Head-Maarek said: "I just felt it (the Derby trip) was too long for him.

"I was a bit scared about him getting the trip as his mother (Argumentative) didn't stay, and I think that was the case.

"I was very pleased with him in the stalls, and I thought Epsom's senior stewards and that man (Blondeau) did a great job with him.

"If I do not get the go-ahead to have Blondeau with him at the start, I don't see how I can run him in France.

"Nothing has been decided, but we will look for races elsewhere, perhaps coming back to England with him over a shorter distance.

"We will give him 10 days of easy work then make a decision."