Before there was Goldikova (IRE) there was Miesque, considered by many to be one of the greatest racemares and milers in history.
Miesque was foaled on March 18th, 1984 in Lexington, Kentucky by Nureyev out of a Prove Out mare (Pasadoble). Her pedigree is littered with such historic names as Northern Dancer, Ribot (ITY), Flower Bowl, Princequillo (IRE), and Nasrullah (GB).
Over a career that spanned three years, Miesque accumulated a record of twelve wins, three seconds and one third in sixteen lifetime starts. She retired having won just over $2 million in purses.
Among the notable races won during Miesque's career are:
Group 1 Prix de la Salamandrea
Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac
Group 1 English 1000 Guineas
Group 1 Dubai Poule D'essai Des Pouliches
Group 1 Prix Du Moulin
Group 1 Prix D'Ispahan
Group 1 Prix Jacques Marois (2x)
Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Mile (2x)
(Update: DRF.com now has Miesque's lifetime past performances.)
In addition to her many triumphs on the track, Miesque was continuously recognized as the best of her generation by those who followed the sport in the 1980s. She was the champion two-year-old and three-year-old filly in France in 1986 and 1987, and champion French miler in 1987 and 1988. She was champion three-year-old filly of England in 1987 and champion English miler in 1987 and 1988. Finally, following her historic back-to-back victories in the Breeders' Cup Mile (the first horse ever to win consecutive Breeders' Cup races), she won dual Eclipse awards as the champion U.S. turf horse in 1987 and 1988.
During her career, Miesque was ridden by Freddie Head, who went into training following his riding career and now trains Goldikova, among others.
Miesque is a member of the both the French and United States Horse Racing Halls of Fame and is considered by many to be one of the best thoroughbreds of all-time.
Following the conclusion of her racing career, Miesque foaled Kingmambo, Miesque's Son (sire of BC Mile champion Miesque's Approval), and East of the Moon (champion French three-year-old filly).
Miesque died today at the age of 27 at Lane's End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky.
Below the jump are replays of the 1987 and 1988 Breeders' Cup Mile.