Enigmatic superstar Hawk Wing has been retired from racing after failing to recover from a leg injury.
The announcement was made by the colt's connections today after scans on the knee ligament injury he suffered when beaten in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot on his final outing.
He will now join the stallion team at Coolmore Stud in Co Tipperary.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "He was an exceptionally natural horse. He was a brilliant worker and a natural athlete.
"I always considered him to be brilliant, and he came up against Rock Of Gibraltar and High Chaparral last year, who were two of the best horses in training."
The news brings to an end a remarkable career that split the racing world down the middle, with his army of fans matched by his detractors.