Ankle injury forces Havre de Grace retirement

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Louisville, KY (Sports Network) - Horse of the Year Havre de Grace has been retired after suffering an ankle injury. Owner Rick Porter made the announcement on his farm's website.

"It is with great disappointment that I have to announce that Havre de Grace has been retired," the statement read.

"After her work yesterday (Sunday) at Churchill, a little heat was noted in her right front ankle. Still there this morning, Grace was sent to Rood & Riddle to be seen by Dr. Larry Bramlage. Unfortunately, we didn't get a positive prognosis for continuing her racing career."

The five-year-old mare, trained by Larry Jones, was working at Churchill Downs for a start in the La Troienne on May 4. Her only race this year was an easy win on March 17 in the $150,000 New Orleans Ladies Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course.

"Owning Grace through her racing career has been the highlight of my time in horse racing," Porter said. "She was a wonderful, wonderful racehorse, and I feel confident she'll be an equally wonderful broodmare. Thanks, Grace, for all you gave us, and here's to a long and enjoyable retirement."

In 2011, Havre de Grace won five of seven starts, including the Azeri, Apple Blossom, Obeah, Woodward and Beldame. She was second to Blind Luck in the Delaware Handicap and fourth in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

In her career, Havre de Grace earned more than $2.5 million with nine wins in 16 starts.