Dancing Brave graced the racing turf for two seasons only in 1985 and 1986. His two year old campaign was a relatively low key affair, but anyone who saw him in action during the following season would find it very hard to forget him. He kicked off the season by winning the Craven Stakes at Newmarket. He followed this up by capturing the 2000 Guineas. Then disaster struck. He was sent off as 2/1 favourite for the Derby, but could only manage a fast finishing second behind the winner Shahrastani. Derision was heaped upon his jockey, the unfortunate Greville Starkey who had held him up for a late run, but it was just a second or so too late and he was later to be replaced in the saddle by Pat Eddery. He went on to atone for his Derby failure by leaving the rest of the field for dead in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park. From there he went on to Ascot for the King George VI Stakes and the chance to settled the score with Shahrastani. This he proceeded to do it style. His next big race was to be a vintage running of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Dancing Brave swooped late to cut down his rivals with a breathtaking burst of speed. This acceleration had become his trademark and the exhilarating manner of his victories made him a massive favourite with the racing public.