Solow has been ruled out of a defence of his Queen Anne Stakes title at Royal Ascot.

His participation had been in some doubt ever since he suffered a knock in preparation for another trip to Dubai in March.

Freddy Head had hoped the grey gelding would recover in time to make it to the big meeting in June, but it has been announced he has now returned to the stud of his owners, the Wertheimer Brothers, in Normandy.

Pierre-Yves Bureau, racing manager for the Wertheimers, told Paris Turf: "Solow will recuperate at Haras de Saint-Leonard, further to the blow received during a previous gallop.

"He will return to Freddy's Head's when he is totally recovered."

In Solow's absence, American star Tepin is the new favourite for the race which opens the meeting.