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Remembering Northern Dancer

Broadcast Date: Nov. 16, 1990

Canada's most famous racehorse, Northern Dancer, was put down today at the age of 29. In 1962 he was an unwanted yearling that Oshawa, Ont., owner E.P. Taylor couldn't sell for $25,000. Two years later, Northern Dancer humbled his critics by winning the 1964 Kentucky Derby. In a record time of two minutes flat, he outpaced the favoured Hill Rise and became the first Canadian-born horse to take the prestigious race. But this would be just the beginning.

Following a tendon injury, Northern Dancer retired after his winning season. Charging fees of up to one million dollars per breeding session, he became the greatest stud horse in history. By the time of his death on Nov. 16, 1990, he fathered 467 winners, including over 150 stake race winners. In total, he sired 635 registered foals. It's estimated that his bloodlines extend to 50 to 70 per cent of all thoroughbred horses. CBC Radio has this report on the life and legacy of Northern Dancer.

Remembering Northern Dancer

• Famed jockey Willy Shoemaker opted not to ride Northern Dancer in the Kentucky Derby. Despite two earlier wins jockeying Northern Dancer, Shoemaker rode the unbeaten Derby favourite Hill Rise. Northern Dancer won the Kentucky Derby with Bill Hartack in the saddle.
• Northern Dancer was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1965. He was the first animal ever to receive this recognition.
• Unwanted for $25,000 as a yearling, Northern Dancer was worth over $40-million by 1981.

Remembering Northern Dancer

Medium: Radio

Program: As It Happens

Broadcast Date: Nov. 16, 1990

Guest(s): Jim Coleman

Host: Alan Maitland
Interviewer: Michael Enright

Duration: 6:28

Last updated:
Nov. 16, 2005