Harbinger's career hangs in balance after leg fracture

Harbinger's career is in the balance after the brilliant colt fractured his near-fore (left) cannon bone on the gallops.

The magnificent winner of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot sustained the injury during a routine spin in Newmarket.

Sir Michael Stoute's four-year-old immediately underwent X-rays which confirmed the fracture. Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said: "This is a bitter blow for all 12 of Harbinger's (syndicate] owners and indeed all who are closely connected with the horse, as well as his many fans to whom he has become an icon following his amazing King George victory.

"A decision as to Harbinger's future will be taken imminently."

Harbinger was officially rated the best horse in the world when winning the King George by 11 lengths in a record time.

He was next scheduled to run in the Juddmonte International at York later this month, after which the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was on the agenda.