Three-time Group One winner Daffodil has passed away, aged 20.

Bred by Waikato Stud’s Garry and Mary Chittick, Daffodil was out of two-win O’Reilly mare Spring, a three-quarter sister to Symphonic, the dam of dual Group One winner Orchestral, and Glee, the dam of Group One winner Savaglee.

Daffodil, a daughter of No Excuse Needed, was in turn a full-sister to Posy, the dam of multiple Group One winner Atishu and Group Three winner Mazzolino.

Retained to race by Waikato Stud, Daffodil was entrusted to the care of Palmerston North trainer Kevin Gray, for whom she won eight of her 26 starts, including the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m), Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) and Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), and earned more than $1.1 million in prizemoney.

She retired to Waikato Stud in 2010 and continued to excel as a broodmare, producing the likes of Group Two performer Grand de Flora, Group Three performer Grand Bouque, and stakes performer Snowdrop.

Waikato Stud principal Mark Chittick said Daffodil will be missed.

“Daffodil will be sorely missed,” he said. “She gave us some incredible highs, the highlight being the Australian Oaks on a memorable day for WS as we bred three individual Group One winners on the day in Australia, which was quite extraordinary.

“Most of all, she was just the most beautiful personality. When you walked into her paddock, all she wanted to do was hang out with you and give you a cuddle. She was an incredible part of WS legacy and the Chittick family and she will never, ever be forgotten.”

Daffodil celebrated her most recent winner on Boxing Day when her son, Cross Tasman, was victorious at Randwick.

Daffodil’s final foal will be offered at next month’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale as lot 371.