HARBINGER HAS been hailed as “one of the all-time greats” after injury forced connections to announce the colt’s retirement from racing yesterday.

The four-year-old became the highest-rated Flat horse in the world following his breathtaking 11-length triumph in last month’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

But less than a fortnight before the colt’s next intended target, the Juddmonte International at York on August 17th, Harbinger fractured his near-fore cannon bone on the gallops in Newmarket on Saturday.

The son of Dansili underwent surgery that evening, but connections felt it was too much of a risk to return the Michael Stoute inmate to the racecourse. A decision on a potential stud career has yet to be confirmed.

Harry Herbert, racing manager for Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said in a statement issued on behalf of the colt’s 12 owners, the Admiral Rous syndicate: “It is with regret that it has been decided to retire Harbinger from racing.

“Thanks to the professionalism of the veterinary surgeons, the operation which was undertaken at Rossdales Hospital in Newmarket has been very successful.

“We are pleased to report that thankfully the horse is recovering well. The decision to retire Harbinger is based on the welfare of the horse which is paramount to all concerned.

“The owners, for whom this is very sad, are naturally sorry that their great horse has had his racing career cut short.”

After York, Harbinger was due to contest the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, a race for which he was also favourite.

Stoute’s charge won his last four races, including the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, and accrued over €840,000 in prize-money.

Herbert added: “Harbinger has given all concerned the ultimate thrill at the very highest level. The highest-rated horse in the world, Harbinger won six of his nine starts and is undefeated this year.

“In winning the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot so impressively and then producing one of the greatest performances of all time to win the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes by 11 lengths in record time, Harbinger has confirmed himself as one of the all-time greats.”

Jockey Olivier Peslier, who was on board Harbinger in the King George at Ascot, said: “I have ridden horses who have won by many lengths, but to win by 11 lengths in a race like that is exceptional.

“Goldikova is the best I have ridden over a mile, but over a mile and a half it has to be Harbinger.