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

The winner of five Group One races last season, Solow has not recovered from an injury to a hind leg which kept him out of the Dubai World Cup meeting in March.

Trainer Freddy Head had hoped the grey gelding would recover in time to make it to Royal Ascot in June, but the horse has returned to the Wertheimer brothers's stud in Normandy.

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

"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 Royal meeting.