Top-class Litchfield broodmare Dancing Flower has been laid to rest in a patch of honour under the apple tree at the broodmare yard on the historic farm.
Dancing Flower on the far right, with her unraced Var daughter to her left
The dam of champion racehorse and Maine Chance Farms sire Victory Moon was the grand age of 30.
“It is not often one owns a mare who makes your dreams come true. She was still quite well in herself and happily spent her retirement out in the paddocks with three generations of her direct offspring. It is such a sad time for us all,” said Katherine Winshaw.
Dancing Flower produced Gold Bowl winner and champion stayer Kelly (Ethique), while her Al Mufti daughter Arabian Pearl ran second in the Gr1 Woolavington 2200. But her flagship was champion Victory Moon.
Victory Moon
Described as a racehorse who changed many people’s lives, the handsome galloper reaffirmed South Africa’s position on the world racing map with a win in the 2003 UAE Derby – and was a fast emerging and exciting sire when his life was cut short. A son of Al Mufti, Victory Moon died suddenly in 2009, while standing at Maine Chance.
Victory Moon was bred by Litchfield Stud and foaled in 1999.
He was out of Dancing Champ mare Dancing Flower and won or placed in 10 of 13 races, earning $2,414,974 in his career.
He raced for the Mad Syndicate and was trained by Mike de Kock
The versatile international superstar won 7 races, including the Gr3 UAE 2000 Guineas, the Gr2 UAE Derby, the Gr3 Maktoum Challenge Round 2, the Gr2 Maktoum Challenge Round 3. He also ran third in the Gr1 Dubai World Cup and lost no honour when fifth in the Gr1 Eclipse Stakes, beaten 2.75 lengths by Timeform’s Horse of the Year, Falbrav (TFR 133).
“I rate Victory Moon up there with the best horses I have trained”, said Mike De Kock at the peak of the colt’s career.
Geoff and Katherine Winshaw bought Litchfield Stud from Ken Mckenzie 27 years ago. Katherine recalls the surreal day she stood in the parade ring at Royal Ascot, within meters of the Queen.
“Dancing Flower was so special to us. She produced Victory Moon, who from a small farm in Africa,took on the world in England and Dubai. It gives everybody the hope and dream of one day breeding a big horse,” said Katherine.
