Epsom Derby favourite Golan has been eased in the betting for the race following rumours that he failed to shine on the Newmarket gallops yesterday. Bookmakers William Hill have pushed the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt out to 2 to 1 from 7 to 4 for the Derby while the same firm go 6 to 1 from 7 to 1 Golan's stable-companion, Dilshaan.

David Hood, the firm's spokesman, said: "I understand that Golan worked with Cover Up and didn't show much sparkle but he is a characteristically bad worker anyway.

"There are no distress signals coming out from the stable but punters have been backing Dilshaan, who apparently worked well, and we have altered the betting accordingly."

Meanwhile, a twisted shoe could have been to blame for First Gold's disappointing run at Auteuil on Sunday. Francois Doumen's King George VI Chase winner faded dramatically into fifth place behind Kotkijet on the run-in of the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris. "We have a little problem with him but nothing to condemn his future," Doumen said yesterday morning.

"He lost a shoe, probably at the last because it was free but still attached so it couldn't have happened earlier."