St Nicholas Abbey has suffered a career-ending injury with owners Coolmore trying to save him for a stud career.

The six-year-old had been scheduled to run in Saturday's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

Coolmore did not divulge the nature of the injury but said in a short statement it was hoped he could be saved for a stud career.

"St Nicholas Abbey suffered a serious career ending injury at Ballydoyle this morning, vets are currently attending to him," Coolmore said.

"We hope to save him for a career at stud, a further update will be posted later."

A son of Montjeu, St Nicholas Abbey is a six-time Group One winner and claimed his third consecutive Coronation Cup at Epsom last month.