Toronado has been redirected from the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot to the Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita.

The four-year-old was one of the leading contenders for the 1600m event on Champions Day after winning the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and claiming second in both the Sussex Stakes and Prix du Moulin.

However, the Richard Hannon-trained colt will sidestep the Ascot feature due to the likely testing conditions, with connections instead focusing on a trip to California.

"The decision has been taken that, due to the ground, we will bypass Ascot and head for the Breeders' Cup Mile instead," Harry Herbert, racing manager for owner Al Shaqab Racing, said.

"He loves fast ground and conditions at Ascot don't look like they will suit. It's disappointing for us, and Champions Day, that he won't be running but we have to do what's best for the horse.

"The Breeders' Cup race looks spot-on for him, even more so now as Wise Dan won't be running, so we will go there instead."

The decision leaves Richard Hughes free to partner 2000 Guineas winner Night Of Thunder at Ascot.

The champion jockey deserted the colt in his surprise Classic strike and Ryan Moore was aboard as Night Of Thunder returned from a mid-season break with a third in the Prix du Moulin.