Paco Boy is extremely unlikely to run in the July Cup, according to his big-race partner Richard Hughes.

The jockey, who will miss the whole of next week's three-day Newmarket meeting through suspension, rode Paco Boy to success in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.

But Hughes said: "Paco Boy doesn't run, as far as I know anyway. We are not sure of where he will go next, but the ground is likely to be firm at Newmarket, so unless they have significant rain, I think we'll wait."

Paco Boy is 5-1 second favourite behind 6-4 market leader Scenic Blast for the Group 1 sprint, the highlight of the Festival which starts on Wednesday.

Trainer Richard Hannon clarified the situation. He said: "If there is rain, we might think about it but if there is no rain he won't run. We'll have to see what happens, but at the moment it's doubtful."

Though heavy showers are expected over the next few days, it may not be enough to see Paco Boy run.

A Met Office spokesman said: "There will be just a few isolated showers in the next 48 hours and it is doubtful that there will be enough rain to make the ground soften up."