Owned by Mike and Christine Ryan, Parfore achieved fame and fortune as the dam of nine foals to race for eight winners which include Group I winner and $1.9 million earner Terrravista, Group I winner and $1.2 million earner Tiger Tees, Champion Singapore Sprinter / Miler and Singapore Horse of the Year Super Easy, Group II winner Ball of Muscle and stakes-winner Our Lukas.
"It was an absolute honour to have had Parfore reside at Segenhoe," said Peter O'Brien."She will go down in history as one of the all-time great producers as there are very few mares that not only have produced three Group 1 winners, but also Group II and Listed winners.
"She has three more offspring to race and her colt foal by Rip Van Winkle is without doubt the best foal on the farm this year.
"Mike and Christine loved her like one of their children as did we all at Segenhoe and I am certain the great mare's legacy will last for years to come.
"She has been buried beside Skating on a hill overlooking the farm which is a fitting resting place for a champion."
By the brilliant sprinter Gold Brose from stakes-winning Twig Moss (Fr) mare Classy Twiggy, Parfore was lightly raced starting just four times, but a brilliant five length maiden win at her second start at Geelong probably gave some indication of more ability than her record suggests.
Retired to stud in New Zealand, she was offered at the NZB National Broodmare Sale in 2004, where she caught the eye of renowned judge Paul Willetts, who bought her for $30,000 on behalf of Mike and Christine Ryan.
"My wife, Christine and I have been very privileged to have owned a broodmare such as Parfore. We have owned racehorses for only 16 years and have had Parfore for 13 of those years, so losing her so suddenly has been very sad and difficult for us both," Mike Ryan reflected.
"Parfore has taken us on an incredible journey, producing three individual G1 winners as well as two other group and listed winners and her star son Super Easy is at stud in NZ.
"She has rightfully earned for herself a lasting legacy in the industry. Hopefully she is not finished yet as she has still has two colts and a filly that will have the opportunity to further her standing as one of the truly great broodmares.
"We would like to thank the team at Segenhoe, all the vet staff and the Hawkins family in NZ for everything they have done to care for Parfore over the years."
Parfore was honoured in 2015 as the New Zealand Broodmare of the Year.
