Photograph: [www.britishhorseracing.com]

Sir Michael Stoute described Telescope as "a model of consistency" after owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing confirmed the Royal Ascot winner's retirement.

The five-year-old was a stunning winner of the Hardwicke Stakes last summer and went on to fill the runner-up spot in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Despite a disappointing run in this season's Hardwicke, Telescope was still being prepared for a second tilt at the King George before injury intervened.

And though connections had been hoping to see him return for an autumn campaign, time has now been called on his career.

Stoute said: "Telescope was a model of consistency.

"He's a quality, good-actioned, brave colt with a grand temperament.

"The highlight of his career was his scintillating performance in the 2014 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot."

Telescope won five races from 14 starts and earned over £763,000 in prize-money.

Harry Herbert, racing manager for his owners, said: " We had been hoping to run in the Canadian International, but unfortunately the niggling injury that stopped him running in the King George has reoccurred and the decision has been made that now is the right time to retire him.

"He's been a wonderful racehorse - a dream horse for a syndicate - and he has given us many great days.

"I suppose his performance in winning the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot was the highlight - beating Hillstar by seven lengths in a fast time.

"He only finished out of the first four once in 14 starts and picked up a lot of prize-money along the way.

"He is the most beautiful-looking horse. He was renowned for his good looks and is probably one of the best-looking horses in training, I would say.

"There's been plenty of interest for him to stand at stud, John Warren (bloodstock advisor) is dealing with that and we'll see what transpires.

"We'll certainly miss him."

[www.britishhorseracing.com]