BREEDERS' CUP 2011: Classic Won't Be Havre de Grace's Final Start

Trainer Larry Jones gave horse racing fans an early Christmas present today when he announced the star filly Havre de Grace would remain in training in 2012. In a story at Bloodhorse.com, Jones stated:

"[Owner] Rick [Porter] has every intention to run her next year. She has not shown any indication that she is any different than she has been."

Jones went on to say:

"At the start of the year, we wanted to get her in position for Horse of the Year because we felt like she had a shot. I have had some fast fillies, but she is just special. This horse is special and we wanted her to be in a position to show everyone else she’s as special as we think she is..."

While the colts are routinely sent to the breeding shed at the blink of an eye, the fillies are given more time to perform on the big stage. Whether it's Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta, or Goldikova (IRE), we've seen some excellent fillies and mares return to the races after big seasons.  Adding Havre de Grace to the mix is certainly an excellent development.

If Havre de Grace goes on to win this year's Classic, she will become the third straight filly to win Horse of the Year honors, following Rachel Alexandra (2009) and Zenyatta (2010).