Introduction
If a name was ever a fair reflection of the ability of a horse, then Dancing Brave might just be the poster horse of its generation. Foaled on 11th May 1983, this US-bred horse was owned by Khalid Abdullah and trained by Guy Harwood. Known for its jockeys wearing a combination of lime green and pink, Dancing Brave became one of the most outstanding horses on the British circuit despite being US-bred.
Indeed, it conquered major trophies such as the 2000 Guineas, the QE Stakes and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. With just two defeats in its life, it eventually retired to stud before living its last years out in Japan, where it died in 1999.
Career Summary
Across an awesome career, the horse won everything in a single year. From the Craven Stakes to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, it won all six of its major races in 1986. For a horse, it’s one of the most successful race years of all-time, cleaning up across the circuit and winning many of the most important races of the era.
At one stage it was given a race rating of 141, the highest rating that was ever given to a horse at that time. Despite being ‘demoted’ to a mere 138, second to the world-famous Frankel, it was still one of the highest race ratings ever achieved. Pat Eddery, one of its jockeys, claimed that it was a “once in a lifetime” experience, and Khalid Abdulla reckons that Dancing Brave was the finest of his horses.
Even those who fell at the side to watch Dancing Brave claim yet more success have only good words to say about one of the most stellar animals of its era.
Achievements & Highlights
Wins – Craven Stakes (1986), 2000 Guineas (1986), Eclipse Stakes (1986), K. George VI & Q. Elizabeth Stakes (1986), Select Stakes (1986), Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (1986)
Associations – Khalud Abdullah, Guy Harwood.
Earnings – ?