Thorpedo Anna, the reigning Horse of the Year, has been retired to the paddocks as a broodmare at John Sikura’s Hill ’n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa near Paris, Kentucky.

Trainer Kenny McPeek announced the news on Wednesday [Oct 15]. “For everybody out there that’s worried about her, you can rest at ease – she’s fine,” he said. “She has been examined by several veterinarians. Dr. (Larry) Bramlage of Rood and Riddle found some very mild bone bruising, which is consistent with horses in work at her level, and she could go back to training in 90 days, but we have opted to retire her.”

Thorpedo Anna was 12 of her 16 career starts, among them seven G1 events including last year’s Kentucky Oaks and Breeders’ Cup Distaff. A 20 per cent share will be offered at the Keeneland Championship Sale on Oct 29 at Del Mar