Havre de Grace retired

April 23, 2012, Lexington KY – Rick Porter announced earlier today that 2011 Horse of the Year Havre de Grace has been retired from racing.

After her work yesterday at Churchill Downs, a little heat was noted in her right front ankle. When this was not resolved by morning, the mare was sent to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital to be seen by Dr. Larry Bramlage. Upon examination which included radiographs and ultrasound of the right front fetlock, the injury was diagnosed as lateral distal sesamoidean ligament desmitis.

"Distal sesamoidean ligaments connect the sesamoid bones to the lower part of the limb below the ankle and support the ankle joint,” explained Dr. Bramlage. "This is just one of many ligaments that support the fetlock by attaching to the base of the sesamoid. Unfortunately with one ligament injured the remaining ligaments become progressively more vulnerable, and they would sequentially become injured if we trained on.Distal sesamoidean ligaments are slow healing and are prone to re-occurrence once injured the first time.”

In light of the unfavorable prognosis for continuing her racing career, Porter elected to retire his champion mare.

"It is with great disappointment that I have to announce that Havre de Grace has been retired," said Porter. "Owning Grace through her racing career has been the highlight of my time in horse racing. 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."

Havre de Grace retires with 9 career wins in 16 starts and $2,586,175 in earnings.