EIGHTEEN wins, seven Group 1’s and nearly $4m in earnings – More Joyous stamped herself as one of the greatest racemares of any generation when taking out the famous Doncaster Mile at Royal Randwick on Saturday in front of adoring crown.

More Joyous (NZ) 2006 sits on 7 Group 1 wins, along with Makybe Diva (GB) 1999, Tranquil Star (AUS) 1937, True Course (AUS) 1947 and Seachange (NZ) 2002, in 6th place on the overall female ladder of Group 1 or equivalent winners.

We are privileged to witness two outstanding females, if not champions, competing during the same season, even if not against each other. Just ahead, in equal 4th place with Gladsome (NZ) 1900, is the so far invincible Black Caviar (AUS) 2006 with 9 Group 1 wins and she will maintain this position probably for the next sixth months unless More Joyous competes next Saturday’s G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

At the top of the ladder: Sunline (NZ) 1995 with 13, Wakeful (AUS) 1896 with 12, and Wenona Girl (AUS) 1957 with 11.

A daughter of Vinery Stud resident, More Than Ready, More Joyous’ triumph was the crowning achievement of a superhorse, who, this time 12 months ago was left bowed and beaten after handing in an uncustomary effort in the slush and mud that defined last year’s autumn carnival.
Thought to be down and all but out during a lacklustre spring by her own impeccable standards, More Joyous recaptured her spark, tendered to her brilliance and reinvigorated her will to win this campaign, stringing together a sequence of three wins from as many starts culminating in Saturday’s unforgettable moment.

“She is just what we need in racing, a mare like her,” trainer Gai Waterhouse said after capturing her seventh Doncaster and equalling the record of her father, T.J. Smith.
“She wasn’t named New South Wales Horse of the Year for nothing last year.
“This is the most satisfying Doncaster win.
“It’s a dream come true.”

More Joyous has won stakes races from 1100m to 1600m against fillies, mares and the colts and geldings, Vinery’s Conor Phelan said.
“She has won Group 1’s in Sydney and Melbourne – she carried 58kg to win a Toorak and 57.5kg to win the Doncaster.
“It is incredible to think that she is still racing with this sort of dominance at her age and after 25 starts. There is a train of thought among those close to the mare that she has never looked or felt better which is astounding but after watching her yesterday, it’s hard to argue with.”

Phelan said that while More Than Ready is clearly regarded as the number one source of stakeswinning two-year-olds in the world, More Joyous is an example of what his so-called older horses are capable off.
“He is a very effective sire at any age and any distance range,” Phelan said,”don’t forget that while he has sired three Golden Slipper winners, he has also sired two seperate Oaks and Derby winners here in Australia.”