Dance Smartly: An Equestrian Legend

Dance Smartly, a racing mare bred in Ontario by Ernie Samuel stands out as the most accomplished racehorse in Canada. The bay horse earned the nickname 'Daisy' due to the distinctive white star on her forehead, which hinted at her remarkable qualities. Furthermore, her lineage boasted an impressive pedigree, as she hailed from the esteemed bloodline of Danzig, a direct descendant of the legendary Northern Dancer.

Dance Smartly achieved an impressive record in her early racing career, triumphing in three out of her initial five races as a two-year-old, which notably included a victory in the prestigious Natalma Stakes. Dance Smartly had an exceptional performance at the age of three, achieving an undefeated record throughout the entire 1991 racing season. Following victories in the Star Shoot and Selene Stakes with Brian Swatuk and later Pat Day, she dominated the Canadian Oaks with such ease that it was believed she could compete against male horses. In 1932, Queensway emerged as the sole victor of the Canadian Triple Crown, conquering the Queen's Plate, Prince of Wales Stakes, and Breeders' Stakes. Dance Smartly achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Triple Crown, setting a new record in the process.

Despite facing a significant setback in the form of a foot injury that disrupted her training for several weeks, Dance Smartly's determination and resilience shone through. She emerged victorious in the 1991 Breeders' Cup Distaff held at Churchill Downs, a testament to her unwavering spirit. Even after suffering an injury to her right foreleg following the 1991 season, Dance Smartly managed to triumph in the Canadian Maturity Stakes before ultimately retiring, leaving a legacy of strength and perseverance.