Multiple grade/group 1-producing broodmare Joy Valley has died from infirmities of old age, Taylor Made Farm announced Oct. 30. She was 31 years old.
Joy Valley was owned by Aaron and Marie Jones and resided at Taylor Made Farm in Nicholasville, Ky. The daughter of Ghadeer was bred in Brazil, where she was a stakes winner, by Haras Santa Ana do Rio Grande out of multiple Brazilian-group 1 winner Belle Valley.
Joy Valley was the dam of four stakes winners, including Riboletta. Named 2000 Eclipse Champion Older Mare, Riboletta was a group 1 winner in her native Brazil before coming to the United States. She then captured an additional five grade 1 victories in the Beldame Stakes, Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap, Milady Breeders' Cup Handicap, Vanity Handicap, and Ruffian Handicap. She also won the Clement L. Hirsch Handicap (G2) and retired with over $1.5 million in earnings.
Joy Valley was also the dam of Super Power, a multiple group 1 winner, Horse of the Year, and champion colt at ages 2 and 3 in Brazil.
Additionally, she produced stakes winners Forest Attack and Tamara Princess.
"She was an incredible mare," said Frank Taylor. "We were privileged to have her here for so many years at Taylor Made Farm for Aaron and Marie Jones. She produced an Eclipse champion in Riboletta and was just a great mare. Everything you could hope for."
Joy Valley will be buried at Taylor Made Farm.
