St Nicholas Abbey is reported to have made positive progress following colic surgery on Friday.

The six-year-old had to have emergency surgery at Fethard Equine Hospital, just two days after he underwent a major leg operation.

The six-time Group One winner fractured a pastern during a gallop at Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle stables on Tuesday morning in preparation for Saturday's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

"St Nicholas Abbey has made positive progress and is in good form today following yesterday's colic surgery," a statement from owners Coolmore said.

"The colic was caused by caecal shutdown (equivalent to the human appendix), which is an extremely painful condition.

"His treatment means he cannot have food for a prolonged period - this is difficult for a horse like St Nicholas Abbey who loves his food.

"He will get parenteral nutrition instead (intravenous nutrition) to fulfil his daily requirements.

"Dr Nathan Slovis, a medicine specialist from the Hagyard Institute in Kentucky, arrived today to oversee his ongoing recovery and treatments.

"All surgeons are pleased with the progress he is making with his pastern reconstruction and he is taking weight on the leg well."