Northern Dancer

The story of Northern Dancer is the stuff of legend. He was a little horse, dismissed time and again because of his size, and to many he appeared to be the antithesis of streamlined, thoroughbred elegance. Today, however, his descendants dominate racing the world over, and Northern Dancer is recognised as the greatest thoroughbred sire in modern history.When Northern Dancer won the Kentucky Derby in the spring of 1964, Canadians poured into the streets to celebrate. Northern Dancer had not only waltzed off with North America's most cherished racing trophy, he had also run the Derby faster than any horse in history. The mayor of Toronto awarded him the key to the city, the country's sportswriters voted him Athlete of the Year, and he was deluged with fan mail. Yet the excitement generated by this remarkable animal had only just begun. To discover what made Northern Dancer so extraordinary, award-winning journalist Muriel Lennox takes us on a memorable ride into the sport of kings and queens. Lennox's deep empathy with horses results in dramatic portrayals of the animals themselves: Northern Dancer, his ancestors and descendants - from the eccentric Hyperion to the brilliant Nijinsky - fairly gallop off these pages. Lennox introduces us to the people who work with and speak the language of horses. She also offers an insight into the character of Canada's famed entrepreneur and international racing legend E.P. Taylor, who brought us Northern Dancer. Compellingly written, Northern Dancer is a celebration of the magnificent thoroughbred spirit and an invaluable contribution to our understanding of horses and the world of horseracing.