Group 1 winner and the reigning NZ Aged Mare of the Year, Jo’s Dream, has been retired after suffering a leg injury.

“Jo has been retired after doing a lower suspensory,” her Pukekohe trainer Amanda Kiddie confirmed on Wednesday.

Kiddie had ordered scans despite x-rays on a fetlock joint coming back negative earlier this week.

“Something was definitely bothering her,” said Kiddie.

Despite being a seven-year-old, the daughter of Gotta Go Cullect had been racing as well as ever and was tracking nicely towards defending the Queen of Hearts crown she won at Alexandra Park last December in a dead heat with Partyon.

She won two races in Auckland in July and August but was disappointing when running last in the Holmes DG last Friday night, behind Lets Elope.

“It’s gutting, especially since she still wanted to be out there racing.”

Jo’s Dream won 11 races and just shy of $160,000 for Kiddie, Auckland’s Tony and Leeanne Grayling and Masterton’s Graham and Jo Goodin.

“She’s done more than we could ever dream of and she owes us nothing,” said Kiddie.

“Her suspensory hasn’t gone completely, so she will retire sound without ongoing issues, which is the main thing.”

A trip to Alabar Stud is in the pipeline, where she will be served by rookie sire Vincent.

“We were still on the fence about putting her in foal, but she’s made our mind up for us.”

Less than three weeks ago, Kiddie and the connections were ‘on cloud nine’ after Jo’s Dream was crowned 5YO & Older Pacing Mare of the Year at the New Zealand Awards in Auckland.

That will be her lasting legacy, along with the Group 1 win, and is something that can’t be taken away.

“It was great to win that award, especially for Tony after all the years he put in as a trainer, and it was a great buzz for the Goodins, too.

“It just shows that they can come from anywhere if you’re willing to give them a proper go.”