Roger Varian’s stable star King Of Steel has been ruled out until after Royal Ascot having been found lame following his work on Tuesday.

The AMO Racing-owned four-year-old was a part of history when partnered by Frankie Dettori to success in the Group 1 Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot last season.

Roger Varian's flagship colt was due to line up in the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown next Thursday to limber up for the Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

A post on X from Amo Racing said: "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"