Havre de Grace, the 2011 Horse of the Year, has been retired from racing according to an announcement on her owner’s website, www.rockportharbor.com.

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

“After her work yesterday 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. Attached in the link below is a copy of the vet report from this morning. …

“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.”

While there is a chance she could still be bred this spring, there are reports circulating that Havre de Grace would be sold at the Nov. Breeding Stock Sale at Keeneland.