Northern Dancer

Northern Dancer (CAN)
May 27, 1961 – Nov. 16, 1990
(Nearctic – Natalma, by Native Dancer)

Bred by Edward P. Taylor in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, Northern Dancer had a storied career both on and off the racetrack. He was named Canadian Champion Two-Year-Old and in 1964 became the first Canadian-bred thoroughbred to win the Kentucky Derby before going on to win the Preakness and finishing third in the Belmont Stakes. Despite failing to capture the Triple Crown, he returned to Ontario to win the Queen’s Plate under a hand ride by Bill Hartack. He was retired shortly after due to a bowed tendon and was named 1964 Champion Three-Year-Old Colt in the US and Canada as well as Canadian Horse of the Year and Canadian Athlete of the Year. He entered stud in 1965 and went on to become one of the top and most influential sires of the twentieth century.

Starts: 18-14-2-2
Earnings: $580,647
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Breeder: Edward P. Taylor
Owner: Windfields Farm
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Jockey: Bill Hartack
Trainer: Horatio Luro

Merits & Awards

1976 Hall of Fame
1964 Horse of the Year (CAN)
1964 Champion 3-yr-old Colt
1st – 1964 Queens Plate
3rd – 1964 Belmont Stakes
1st – 1964 Preakness Stakes
1st – 1964 Kentucky Derby
1963 Champion 2-yr-old Colt
1st – 1963 Coronation Futurity