Okeechobee's revised targets are on hold

Okeechobee's plans for the future are on hold as a late setback prevented him from travelling to Ireland for Sunday's Tattersalls Gold Cup.

The five-year-old, trained by Harry Charlton and winner of the Gordon Richards Stakes last month, could have returned to the Esher circuit on Thursday to compete in the Brigadier Gerard.

Connections chose to supplement the son of Time Test for his first Group One assignment. However, he was unable to queue at the Curragh.

“He had a bruised heel and a foot infection, which was annoying, but unfortunately that’s the way it goes,” said Barry Mahon, racing manager for owner-breeders Juddmonte. “It’s nothing too major, hopefully. He’ll have an easy week or 10 days and hopefully, he should be back on the go.”

Okeechobee is entered in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown and the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Mahon added: “We’ll wait and see and make sure everything is all right before we start making any plans, but options are probably limited. You’re heading to Ascot time of the year, so if he’s fit and well, we’ll look at something there – and if not, we’ll wait a bit longer.”