King Of Steel (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is set for a spell on the sidelines having been found to be lame after his routine exercise in Newmarket on Tuesday morning.
Trained by Roger Varian, King Of Steel enjoyed a productive three-year-old campaign in 2023 when his victories included the G2 King Edward VII S. at Royal Ascot and the G1 Champion S. at the same course. He also filled the runner-up spot behind Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the G1 Derby at Epsom.
His connections had held high hopes that the imposing colt would be contending for top honours again this season as a four-year-old, with the G1 Prince Of Wales's S. back at the Royal meeting being identified as his primary target in the first part of the year. However, all plans are now said to be on hold following Tuesday's setback.
“It's very disappointing for everyone concerned, both for the owner and his team and also the whole of my team,” said Varian. “He's had a training setback which is going to rule him out for the main part of the season and it is disappointing.”
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, owners Amo Racing Ltd added, “King Of Steel has sustained an injury during his routine exercise on Tuesday morning in Newmarket.
“We are happy to report that he is fine and his usual bubbly self, but sadly, he will miss his planned seasonal debut at Sandown and Royal Ascot. As you can imagine, this is a very disappointing day for all of King Of Steel's supporters and all the people who have put their heart and soul into this horse.”
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