King Of Steel had a setback in training, therefore he would miss his main summer goals.
The Champion Stakes hero of Roger Varian had been preparing for his upcoming return in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown next week. It was anticipated that this run would set him up for a potential return to Royal Ascot to compete in the Prince of Wales's Stakes.
However, after learning of the setback, immediate plans have been postponed. This is a major blow for owners Amo Racing, for whom King Of Steel has been a remarkable performer, as well as the Classic-winning handler and his staff.
“It’s very disappointing for everyone concerned, both for the owner and his team and also the whole of my team,” Varian told the PA news agency. “He’s had a training setback which is going to rule him out for the main part of the season and it is disappointing.”
The Wootton Bassett son was a general 4-1 favourite for Sandown's Coral-Eclipse later in the summer, where he also had an entry.
Amo Racing posted on X, formerly Twitter: “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.”