In what is a huge blow to owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid and all of the team at home, the five-year-old was found to have an unsatisfactory tracheal wash following his final piece of work on Wednesday morning.

While this setback is only minor, it does rule him out of his assignment at the weekend and he will undertake a brief period of recovery before he returns to full work.

Roger said: “Up until this point, Postponed had not given us any worry during his training regime.

“However, we felt Postponed did not work with his usual zest this morning and a subsequent scope showed he is suffering from a respiratory infection.

“This news is obviously very disappointing and it is a real shame for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, the team and the racing public that he will not line up on Saturday.

“But, as is always the case, the interests of the horse must come first. If he is not 100 per cent, the only sensible thing to do is not to run.

“We will let the horse recover from this setback before making a plan of where he runs next. We still have many big days ahead to look forward to.”