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Godolphin's outstanding Group One winner Blue Bunting has been forced into retirement due to injury.

The winner of last year's G1 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, G1 Irish Oaks at the Curragh and G1 Yorkshire Oaks at York sustained a serious leg injury while training in Dubai.

The daughter of Dynaformer was being preparfed to contest G1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan on World Cup night on March 31.

Godolphin reported that veterinary advice suggested an extended recovery period would be required before the now 4YO could resume training.

She will now go to stud to be covered by Street Cry, sire of Melbourne Cup winner Shocking.

"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," reported racing manager Simon Crisford.

"It is a pity she will not have the chance again to show what a brilliant racehorse she was, but we look forward to her becoming a great success at stud.

Blue Bunting, who was sixth in the G1 St Leger at Doncaster at her last start in September, won five of her eight starts and £645,563.

The filly gave trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni his first classic victories in Britain and Ireland.