St Nicholas Abbey has suffered a major complication in his recovery from surgery.

The champion son of Montjeu fractured his right pastern after a routine piece of work last month and it’s held in place by 20 screws and two bone plates.

“Radiographs showed the steel weight-bearing pin had broken and after consultation, the surgeons decided to take it out,” Coolmore Stud announced on Tuesday.  “The leg has been recast and he is now bearing weight on the fractured leg.

“This development has come sooner than we would have ideally liked, so the next week is a very tentative period for us.”

The initial operation secured the fracture, which included a bone graft from St Nicholas Abbey’s hip, and further surgery was necessary after he was hit with colic.  “He is comfortable and is walking as well as can be expected.,” the statement added.  “His temperament and demeanour are a tremendous plus both for him and the team treating him.”

St Nicholas Abbey has won 6 Group 1 events including the last three editions of the Coronation Cup at Epsom Downs.  A lucrative stud career awaits if he overcomes the latest setback.