Blue Bunting forced to retire

Last season's Qipco 1000 Guineas winner Blue Bunting, has retired to stud following an injury in training in Dubai.

The Godolphin-owned four-year old added to her success at Newmarket by capturing the Irish Oaks last year to end the campaign with two Classics under her belt. Those following the best online Newmarket betting will be disappointed to hear of her misfortune.

However, unfortunately for her supporters, she will not be seen on a racecourse again after picking up an injury whilst training for the Dubai World Cup carnival where she was set to return for her first run of 2012.

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford believes the injury came at a bad stage of the season.

"Because Blue Bunting would have needed a long period of recuperation before coming back into training, the decision has been made to retire her to stud for an early covering."

Blue Bunting won five of her eight starts and added the Group One Darley Yorkshire Oaks to a memorable season for her and trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni. Her last run was at Doncaster in September where she looked to add her third Classic in the St Leger. Ridden by jockey Frankie Dettori, Blue Bunting ran a respectable sixth place in a high quality field against some of the best colts in the country over 1m6f. The daughter of Dynaformer will be bred to Darley stallion Street Cry.

Al Zarooni will be aiming to win back-to-back Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket with Gamilati this time. The smart filly won the UAE 1000 Guineas last week and immediately had her odds slashed for the British equivalent in May. Aiden O'Brien's Maybe is the current ante-post favourite for the second classic of the new campaign.