As the spring hopefuls step up another gear, the curtain has come down on the stellar career of Heart Of Dreams.
A stalwart of the Mick Price stable, Heart Of Dreams finished second last in Saturday’s Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes and the trainer immediately announced the seven-year-old’s retirement.
Jockey Michael Walker described the gelding as “a bit long in the tooth” and Price was unhappy with his action so the decision was easy.
A dual Group One winner of the Australian Guineas and the Underwood Stakes, Heart Of Dreams earned more than $1.6 million during a career conducted at the highest level.
Although 2009 was Heart Of Dreams best year when he claimed his Group One victories, he continued to race among the best with his Group One placings including two seconds in the C F Orr Stakes, both times behind Typhoon Tracy.
Price said Heart Of Dreams would be given a nice home in which to spend his retirement.
By Show A Heart who stands at Glenlogan Park in Queensland, Heart Of Dreams was a $55,000 yearling.
He won six of his 31 starts and was placed on 11 other occasions.