Raaheeb has been flown from Bournemouth to Ireland as Owen Burrows prepares the unbeaten colt for Sunday’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh. The British challenger arrives with a Classic Trial win, a pedigree as brother to Baaeed and Hukum, and a clear target: breaking Aidan O’Brien’s grip on the race.
What Raaheeb achieved at Sandown last time wasn’t commonplace – and why he can remain unbeaten in tomorrow’s Irish Derby.
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 28, 2026
Burrows told Racing Post that Raaheeb flew out on Saturday after connections changed the travel plan because of the heat, with owner Sheikha Hissa approving the switch from ferry to flight.
The Shadwell colt skipped Epsom after his Sandown exertions, but his unbeaten profile keeps him firmly in the conversation for the €1.25million Classic. Aidan O’Brien still holds the strongest hand with four Ballydoyle runners, including Benvenuto Cellini and Derby winner Christmas Day, while Joseph O’Brien’s James J Braddock adds another Irish-trained threat.
British Challenge Carries Real Derby Intrigue
Raaheeb is not just a romantic outsider. His Sandown performance marked him down as a proper middle-distance prospect, and Burrows believes the extra distance should suit. The trainer also expects Craig Witheford to help load the colt, a small but notable detail after Raaheeb became warm behind the gates at Sandown.
For Burrows, who has had only three runners in Ireland, this is a rare chance to land a first Irish winner on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
