Solow retired by trainer Freddy Head

French trainer Freddy Head has been forced to call time on the career of multiple Group One-winning miler Solow.

During 2015, the gelding claimed five Group One races in a row and looked impregnable in Europe, winning twice at Ascot in the Queen Anne and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, and also triumphing in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

His career was halted by injury after he won his comeback run at Chantilly in March last year, and Head has admitted defeat in his attempts to get him back on a racecourse.

“We just couldn’t get him back to where he was and didn’t want to risk injuring him again. He was too good to risk, so we’ve called it a day,” Head told the Press Association.

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“He won five Group Ones, picking one out is hard, maybe the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood or the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot. He was most impressive in Dubai, but that form probably wasn’t as strong.

“To do what he did in those six months, he was a real champion and he retires having won his last 10 races.

“He was one of the best, if not the best, I’ve trained, and I’ve had the likes of Goldikova, Moonlight Cloud and Charm Spirit.

“During those six months I think he was unbeatable. I think he was just by himself.

“It’s sad but maybe for the best, he’s retired in one piece.”