Editing Northern Dancer

{{Short description|Canadian-bred Thoroughbred racehorse}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Infobox racehorse
| horsename =  Northern Dancer
| image =  [[File:Northerndancer2.jpg|250px]]
| caption =
| sire =  [[Nearctic (horse)|Nearctic]]
| grandsire = [[Nearco]]
| dam =  [[Natalma]]
| damsire =  [[Native Dancer]]
| sex =  [[Stallion]]
| foaled =  May 27, 1961<br />[[Oshawa, Ontario]], Canada
| death_date = {{death date and age|1990|11|16|1961|5|27}}<br />[[Chesapeake City, Maryland]], U.S.
| country =  [[Canada]]
| colour =  [[Bay (horse)|Bay]]
| breeder =  [[E. P. Taylor|Edward P. Taylor]]
| owner =  [[Windfields Farm]]<br />Colors: Turquoise, gold dots on sleeves, gold cap<ref name=TheStar />
| trainer =  [[Horatio Luro]]
| record =  18: 14–2–2<ref name=EquibaseProfile>{{cite web|title=Northern Dancer|url=http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=352363&registry=T&rbt=TB|website=www.equibase.com|access-date=3 July 2016}}</ref>
| earnings=  [[US$]]580,647{{efn|The precise earnings total depends on the conversion rate used for the Canadian dollar. Some sources show a total of $580,806. Equibase shows $580,647.}}
| race = [[Summer Stakes (Canada)|Summer Stakes]] (1963)<br />[[Coronation Futurity Stakes]] (1963)<br />[[Remsen Stakes]] (1963)<br />[[Flamingo Stakes]] (1964)<br />[[Florida Derby]] (1964)<br />[[Blue Grass Stakes]] (1964)<br />[[Queen's Plate]] (1964)<p>'''[[American Classic Races|American Classics]] wins:'''<br />'''[[Kentucky Derby]]''' ([[1964 Kentucky Derby|1964]])<br />'''[[Preakness Stakes]]''' ([[1964 Preakness Stakes|1964]])</p>
| awards= [[American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse|U.S. Champion 3-Yr-Old Colt]] (1964)<br />[[Canadian Horse of the Year]] (1964)<br />Canadian Champion Two-Year-Old (1963)<br />Canadian Champion Three-Year-Old (1964)<br />[[Leading sire in North America]] (1971, 1977{{efn|The leading sire title for 1977 was given to Dr. Fager by the ''Thoroughbred Daily Times'' as at the time they counted North American earnings only. Northern Dancer was given the title by ''The Blood-Horse'' as they also included international earnings.<ref name="LeadingSires">{{cite web|title=Leading Sires of America|url=http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricSires/LeadingSires/AmLeadSires.html|website=Thoroughbred Heritage|access-date=3 July 2016}}</ref><ref name=ACP />}})<br />[[Leading broodmare sire in North America]] (1991)<br />[[Leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland]]<br />(1970, 1977, 1983, 1984)
| honours = [[Canada's Sports Hall of Fame]] (1965)<br />[[Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame]] (1976)<br />[[National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame|United States Racing Hall of Fame]] (1976)<br />[[List of people on stamps of Canada|Canadian postage stamp]] (1999)<br />Northern Dancer Blvd. in [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]]<br />Northern Dancer Lane in Aurora ON<br />Northern Dancer Dr. in [[Warwick, Maryland|Warwick]], [[Maryland]]<br />[[Statue|Life-size statue]] at [[Woodbine Racetrack]]<br />[[Northern Dancer Turf Stakes]] at [[Woodbine Race Track|Woodbine]]
| updated=
|rider=[[Bill Hartack]]}}
'''Northern Dancer''' (May 27, 1961 – November 16, 1990) was a [[Thoroughbred]] that, in 1964, became the first Canadian-bred horse to win the [[Kentucky Derby]]. After being retired from racing, he became one of the most successful [[Stallion|sires]] of the 20th century. He is considered a Canadian icon and was inducted into the [[Canadian Sports Hall of Fame]] in 1965. Induction into the Racing Hall of Fame in both Canada and the United States followed in 1976. As a competitor, ''[[The Blood-Horse]]'' ranked him as one of the [[Blood-Horse magazine List of the Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th Century|top 100 U.S. Thoroughbred racehorses of the 20th century]]. As a sire of sires, his influence on the breed is still felt worldwide.

At age two, Northern Dancer was named the [[Canadian Champion Two-Year-Old Colt]] after winning both the [[Summer Stakes (Canada)|Summer Stakes]] and [[Coronation Futurity]] in Canada, plus the [[Remsen Stakes]] in New York. At three, he became a leading contender for the Kentucky Derby with wins in the [[Flamingo Stakes]], [[Florida Derby]], and [[Blue Grass Stakes]]. Northern Dancer followed up a record-setting victory in the Kentucky Derby by winning the [[Preakness Stakes]]. With a chance at the [[Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing (United States)|American Triple Crown]], he finished third in the [[Belmont Stakes]]. Returning to Canada for a hero's welcome, he won the [[Queen's Plate]] in what proved to be his last race.

Northern Dancer was retired to stud in 1965 at [[Windfields Farm]] in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. He was an immediate success when his first crop reached racing age in 1968. The success of his second crop, led by [[English Triple Crown]] winner [[Nijinsky (horse)|Nijinsky]], gave him international renown. Northern Dancer was relocated to the Maryland branch of Windfields Farm, where he became the most sought sire of his time.

==Background==
Northern Dancer was a [[Bay (horse)|bay]] [[stallion]] with a crooked white [[Horse markings#Facial markings|blaze]] and three white [[Horse markings#Leg markings|socks]].<ref name="KingOfCanada">{{cite web |title=The King of Canada: Northern Dancer |url=https://horsenetwork.com/2017/06/king-canada-northern-dancer/ |first1=John |last1=Wilkinson |website=Horse Network |access-date=13 January 2020 |date=28 June 2017}}</ref> He was bred in [[Oshawa, Ontario]], by Canadian business magnate [[E. P. Taylor|Edward P. Taylor]], owner of Windfields Farm. He was from the first crop of [[Nearctic (horse)|Nearctic]] and the first foal out of the mare [[Natalma]], whose sire was [[Native Dancer]].<ref name="Nearctic"/><ref name="Almahmoud" />

All Thoroughbreds in the Northern Hemisphere have an official birth date of January 1 but Northern Dancer was foaled late in the season, on May 27, 1961. Younger than most of his age cohort, he was only {{hands|14}} high{{efn|The average height for a Thoroughbred, measured at the [[withers]], is about 16 hands (64 inches)}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Pedigree Analysis: Is Bigger Always Better? |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/108817/pedigree-analysis-is-bigger-always-better |website=BloodHorse |access-date=5 April 2020 |first=Anne|last=Peters|date=13 March 2015|language=en}}</ref> when Windfields Farm offered all of its [[Yearling (horse)|yearlings]] for sale at its annual auction. Thus, despite a strong pedigree and good [[Horse conformation|conformation]], Northern Dancer did not find a buyer at his [[Canadian dollar|Can$]]25,000 reserve price. As a result, Northern Dancer stayed in the Windfields Farm racing stable.<ref name=KingOfCanada /><ref name="CHoF" />

At maturity, Northern Dancer had powerful hindquarters along with excellent balance and agility. His stallion listings showed his height as {{hands|15.2|lk=off}}, but most horsemen who had met him estimated his adult height as between {{hands|15|lk=off}} and {{hands|15.1|lk=off}}.<ref name=ACP /> Shortly before the Kentucky Derby at age three, he weighed {{convert|940|lb|kg}}.<ref name=NYT-KDerby /> Like his sire Nearctic and grandsire [[Nearco]] before him, Northern Dancer had a dominant and sometimes unruly temperament. "He wasn't mean, but he would wheel and do some tricks", said Joe Thomas, who later managed the horse's stud career. Trainer [[Horatio Luro]] originally wanted to [[Gelding|geld]] the [[colt (horse)|colt]] because "he was feisty", but Taylor refused.<ref name="Kocher" />

Referring to the horse's diminutive stature, Sportswriter Jim Murray of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' wrote: "Northern Dancer is the kind of colt who, if you saw him in your living room, you'd send for a trap and put cheese in it. He's so little, a cat would chase him. But he's so plucky there's barely room in him for his heart. His legs are barely long enough to keep his tail off the ground. He probably takes a hundred more strides than anyone else, but he's harder to pass than a third martini."<ref name=Kocher />

==Racing career==

===1963: Two-year-old season===
On August 2, 1963, Northern Dancer made his debut at [[Fort Erie Race Track]] in a [[maiden race]] for Canadian foaled two-year-olds over a distance of {{frac|5|1|2}} [[furlongs]]. He was ridden by apprentice jockey [[Ron Turcotte]], who was instructed not to use the whip but gave the colt a tap at the sixteenth pole anyway, whereupon Northern Dancer "exploded".<ref name="Timeline">{{cite web|title=Northern Dancer a Very Unlikely Hero {{!}} Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame (archived version)|url=http://www.canadianhorseracinghalloffame.com:80/northern-dancer-timeline/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119152234/http://www.canadianhorseracinghalloffame.com/northern-dancer-timeline/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 19, 2018|website=horseracinghalloffame.com|access-date=4 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=Hunter86 /> He beat seven horses for a purse of $2,100.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fort Erie Race Track – Our History|url=http://www.forterieracing.com/about-us1/our-history/|website=www.forterieracing.com|access-date=5 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513000639/http://www.forterieracing.com/about-us1/our-history/|archive-date=May 13, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Turcotte later recalled, "We won that race by eight [[Horse length|lengths]]. He was a bold horse. Brave. He could handle anything. The grass. The mud. Anything."<ref>{{cite web|last1=O'Connor|first1=Joe|title=Canada's greatest racing horse still an influence in the sport of kings|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadas-greatest-racing-horse-still-an-influence-in-the-sport-of-kings|website=nationalpost.com|access-date=5 July 2016|date=May 28, 2011}}</ref>

Wearing [[blinkers (horse)|blinkers]] for the first time, Northern Dancer made his next start on August 17 in the [[Vandal Stakes]]. Paul Bohenko was his jockey since Turcotte was committed to another horse, Ramblin' Man. Northern Dancer entered into a speed duel at the start of the race, setting up the race for Ramblin' Man to come from behind and win.<ref name=Hunter86 /> After the race, Turcotte is quoted as having told Luro, "the Dancer was definitely the best two year old in Canada, maybe in the world."<ref name=Timeline />  He next entered the [[Summer Stakes (Canada)|Summer Stakes]] on August 24, then at a distance of 1 mile on the turf at [[Fort Erie]]. The track condition was described as 'bog-like', and Northern Dancer is said to have almost fallen. Despite struggling with the ground, he led from the start and hung on for the win.<ref name=Timeline />

After a brief layoff, Northern Dancer was entered in the {{frac|1|1|16}} mile [[Cup and Saucer Stakes]] on September 28 over the [[Woodbine Racetrack|Woodbine]] turf course, where he was assigned the [[Handicap (horse racing)|top weight]] of 124 pounds. Ron Turcotte was back as his jockey and took him to an early lead, but Northern Dancer tired and fell second to long-shot Grand Garcon by three-quarters of a length.<ref name=Timeline /> Turcotte believed the horse had still not recovered from the effort in the Summer Stakes and was favouring his left foreleg. "He kept wanting to bear left, and I couldn't get him on his right lead at all."<ref name="Hunter, pg. 90">Hunter, pg. 90</ref>

On October 7, he returned in the Bloordale Purse at 1 mile and 70 yards where he was again the top weight at 122 pounds. His main rival Northern Flight carried 117 pounds while other horses carried as little as 112 pounds. Northern Dancer broke well but allowed Northern Flight to take a commanding lead. At the halfway mark, Northern Dancer was third on the rail, 15 lengths back, but gradually closed the gap on the far turn. Down the stretch, the two battled for the lead before Northern Dancer pulled away to win by {{frac|1|1|2}} lengths, with the rest of the field some twenty-five plus lengths behind Northern Flight.<ref name=Timeline />  Five days later, Northern Dancer faced a field of 14 rivals in the [[Coronation Futurity Stakes]], the richest race for Canadian two-year-olds. He settled in fourth at the start, then took over the lead at the halfway point, drawing away to win by {{frac|6|1|4}} lengths. It was Turcotte's last ride on Northern Dancer, as Luro feared he could not maintain sufficient control of the headstrong colt. "God knows how good [Northern Dancer] really was," recalled Turcotte, "for he was never a completely sound horse most of the time I rode him, and I still could not slow him down more than that."<ref>Lennox, pp. 70–71</ref>

On November 6, Northern Dancer followed up with a win in the seven-furlong Carleton Stakes at [[Greenwood Raceway|Greenwood]] on a muddy track. He won by {{frac|2|1|2}} lengths, but the ''[[Daily Racing Form]]'' called him an "unwilling winner", reflecting heavy pressure from new jockey Jimmy Fitzsimmons, who used the whip throughout the stretch drive. Northern Dancer came back to the barn bleeding from the beginning of a [[quarter crack]]. It was thought that the injury was a result of his heavy race schedule – seven races in three months.<ref name="Timeline" />  Nonetheless, the colt was shipped to [[Aqueduct Racetrack]] in New York to compete against American horses. On November 18, he was entered in the Sir Gaylord Purse. He was ridden by [[Manuel Ycaza]], and won by eight lengths over Bupers, who had won the [[Belmont Futurity]]. However, the quarter crack became more pronounced, so he was fitted with a [[bar shoe]] on his left front [[horse hoof|hoof]] to stabilize the foot.<ref name=Timeline />

On November 27, Northern Dancer was the odds-on favourite in a field of six horses entered in the [[Remsen Stakes]], despite carrying top weight of 124 pounds. Ycaza sent him to the lead early and he won by two lengths in [[Glossary of North American horse racing#W|wire-to-wire]] fashion. His time of 1:35{{frac|3|5}} for one mile was a new stakes record.<ref name=Remsen>{{cite web |last1=Nichols |first1=Joe |title=Northern Dancer, Despite a Hoof Injury, Sets Stake Record at Aqueduct  |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/11/28/archives/margin-in-remsen-is-two-lengths-northern-dancer-despite-a-hoof.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=7 December 2019 |date=28 November 1963}}</ref> Ycaza later recalled him as an "ideal horse for any kind of situation. He would do anything you asked."<ref>Hunter, pg.92</ref>

His record of seven wins from nine starts earned Northern Dancer the [[Canadian Champion Two-Year-Old Colt|Canadian Juvenile Championship]]. He was rated at 126 pounds in the Canadian Free Handicap for two-year-olds, five pounds above Ramblin Road. In the American [[Experimental Free Handicap]], he was rated at 123 pounds – three pounds below champion [[Raise a Native]].<ref name="ACP">{{cite web|last1=Hunter|first1=Avalyn|title=Northern Dancer (CAN) |url=http://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/northern-dancer-can.html|website=American Classic Pedigrees|access-date=3 July 2016}}</ref>{{efn|The Experimental Free Handicaps were an early version of the [[World's Best Racehorse Rankings]]. The numbers were assigned by a Jockey Club committee, with the highest numbers going to the most accomplished horses.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hammonds |first1=Evan |title=Something More Than Free |url=http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/wgoh/archive/2017/02/08/something-more-than-free-by-evan-hammonds.aspx |website=cs.bloodhorse.com |access-date=7 April 2020 | date=February 8, 2017|language=en}}</ref>}}

===1964: Three-year-old season===
After the Remsen, Luro gave Northern Dancer some time off to heal and had a [[vulcanized rubber]] patch applied to the quarter crack. Northern Dancer recovered quickly and reentered training in January.<ref name=Timeline /> His first race at three was on February 10, 1964, in a six-furlong prep at [[Hialeah Park]] under a new jockey, [[Bobby Ussery]], who was instructed to take it easy and not use the whip. Northern Dancer was bumped at the start and fell to the back of the pack. He recovered and steadily advanced up the rail, only to become trapped behind several horses. He was bumped again and eventually finished third behind Chieftain. Despite the instructions of Luro, Ussury had taken to his whip in the final strides of the race, which led the trainer to publicly criticize the rider.<ref name=Timeline /> "I believe in being very patient with my horses," said Luro. "I don't want punishment – under no circumstances."<ref name="SILuro">{{cite magazine|last1=Wright|first1=Alfred|title=The Continental Touch of Horation Luro|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1964/05/04/606807/the-continental-touch-of-senor-horatio-luro|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=6 July 2016|date=May 4, 1964}}</ref>

On February 24, Northern Dancer and Chieftain again faced each other in a public workout over seven furlongs at Hialeah. Northern Dancer broke slowly but soon took the lead and won by seven lengths in a time of 1:23{{frac|2|5}}. He continued to gallop out past the wire, completing one mile in 1:36{{frac|2|5}} and nine furlongs in 1:50{{frac|4|5}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Northern Dancer Beats Chieftain, Trader in Hialeah Test; Canadian Colt's Stock Rises After Impressive Triumph in 7-Furlong Workout |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/25/archives/northern-dancer-beats-chieftain-trader-in-hialeah-test-flamingo.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=8 December 2019 |date=25 February 1964}}</ref> For his next start in the [[Flamingo Stakes]] on March 3, Northern Dancer was ridden by Hall of Fame jockey [[Bill Shoemaker]] and went off as the even-money favourite in a field of eleven. He settled into second and moved to the lead in the stretch after some gentle urging by Shoemaker, winning by two lengths over Mr. Brick, with Quadrangle a further eight lengths back in third. His time of 1:47{{frac|4|5}} was the second fastest in the history of the race, behind only [[Bold Ruler]]'s time of 1:47 flat. Shoemaker was pleased with the performance. "My little horse got a little leg weary in the last sixteenth of a mile," he said, "but that was natural. He wasn't quite so seasoned as some of the other horses."<ref name="Flamingo">{{cite web |title=Northern Dancer Takes $138,200 Flamingo by 2 Lengths |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/04/archives/northern-dancer-takes-138200-flamingo-by-2-lengths-shoemaker-rides.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=8 December 2019 |date=4 March 1964}}</ref>

He then entered a seven-furlong allowance race at [[Gulfstream Park]] on March 28 as a prep for the [[Florida Derby]]. Shoemaker was unable to ride due to a previous commitment, so Ycaza got the ride. Northern Dancer won easily by four lengths, equaling the track record of 1:22{{frac|2|5}}.<ref name=Allowance>{{cite news |title=Cedar Key Takes Gulfstream Race |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/29/cedar-key-takes-gulfstream-race.html |work=The New York Times |agency=The Associated Press |date=29 March 1964}}</ref> In the Florida Derby on April 4, Northern Dancer was the 3–10 favourite in a field of eight. With Shoemaker back up, Northern Dancer raced in mid-pack behind a slow pace, then started to make up ground on the rail. Shoemaker waited until the half mile pole then urged the colt on without using the whip. Northern Dancer quickly took the lead at the head of the stretch and then held off a challenge by The Scoundrel, eventually winning by a length. Shoemaker said later that the colt was improving.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Tower|first1=Whitney|title=The Dancer, The Scoundrel – and Mr. Moon|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1964/04/13/614442/the-dancer-the-scoundreland-mr-moon|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=6 July 2016|date=April 13, 1964}}</ref> However, his time was a disappointing 1:50{{frac|4|5}}, the slowest Florida Derby since 1955. [[Joe Hirsch]] of the ''Daily Racing Form'' commented, "It did not appear that Shoemaker had a lot of horse left at the wire."<ref name="Timeline" /> Luro was satisfied with the performance though, feeling that the slow time of the race was the result of a fast workout a few days earlier in which Northern Dancer had fought restraint by the exercise rider.<ref name="FlaDerby">{{cite web |title=Northern Dancer Wins Big Gulfstream Race — Shoemaker Aboard |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/05/archives/the-scoundrel-2d-northern-dancer-wins-big-gulfstream-raceshoemaker.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=8 December 2019 |date=5 April 1964}}</ref>

Shortly after the race, Luro asked Shoemaker to commit to riding Northern Dancer in the [[Kentucky Derby]]. But Shoemaker instead chose [[Hill Rise]], who had won the [[San Felipe Stakes]] and the [[Santa Anita Derby]] in California. Shoemaker had never ridden Hill Rise but campaigned hard to get the mount, believing the colt represented his best chance for a Derby win. Ycaza was also unable to commit to Northern Dancer as another trainer had first call on his services. Ultimately, Luro settled on [[Bill Hartack]], who had ridden Luro's previous Kentucky Derby winner, [[Decidedly]].<ref>Hunter, pp. 101–103</ref> "I'm not upset about it at all," said Luro. "I guess Shoemaker must not have been impressed with my horse's race Saturday, but I believe it was far from his best effort."<ref>{{cite web |title=Kentucky Derby Jockeys in a Shift; Shoemaker Switches From Northern Dancer to Hill Rise for Kentucky Derby |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/07/archives/kentucky-derby-jockeys-in-a-shift-shoemaker-switches-from-northern.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=8 December 2019 |date=7 April 1964}}</ref>

With his new jockey, Northern Dancer was made the 1–5 favourite in a field of five in the [[Blue Grass Stakes]] at [[Keeneland]] on April 23. With Northern Dancer so heavily backed, only win betting was allowed. Northern Dancer rated in second behind a slow early pace until the head of the stretch when he coasted to the lead. Another horse, Allen Adair, made a run down the stretch so Hartack released his grip and Northern Dancer crossed the finish line in front by half a length. He completed the nine furlongs in a time of 1:49{{frac|4|5}} and galloped out the Derby distance of ten furlongs in 2:03. Hartack was satisfied with the colt's abilities. "He is a small horse," said Hartack, "but he has lots of brawn and lots of guts."<ref name="BlueGrass">{{cite web |title=Favored Northern Dancer Takes Blue Grass by Half a Length Under Hartack  |first1=Joe|last1=Nichols|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/24/archives/favored-northern-dancer-takes-blue-grass-by-half-a-length-under.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=8 December 2019 |date=24 April 1964}}</ref><ref>Hunter, pg. 104</ref>

====Bidding for the Triple Crown====
For the [[1964 Kentucky Derby]], run at a distance of {{frac|1|1|4}} miles, Northern Dancer drew post position 7 in a field of 12. He was the second betting choice at odds of 7–2 behind Hill Rise at 7–5.<ref name=NYT-KDerby /> In the high pressure environment leading up to the race, Luro kept the press away from the colt, even substituting a stable pony for Northern Dancer during photo sessions. Northern Dancer responded by training eagerly, with a final workout of 1:00{{frac|2|5}} on April 20.<ref>Hunter, pp. 105–107</ref>  On the day of the race, May 2, Northern Dancer was on edge. As the field reached the track, he "bounced like a rubber ball" and gave a huge buck when the band started to play "[[My Old Kentucky Home]]". He settled during the warm up, only to balk when asked to enter the starting gate. After a few tense moments, Northern Dancer relaxed and loaded quietly.<ref name=Timeline /><ref>Hunter, pp. 108–109</ref> After the break, he settled into good position on the rail around the first turn behind the early pacemakers Mr. Brick and Royal. Down the backstretch, Hartack guided him through a narrow hole into the clear and started to make up ground on the leaders. He got the jump on Hill Rise, who became tangled up in traffic as the front-runners started to fade. With a quarter mile to go, Hartack urged his colt on; Northern Dancer responded by running the next furlong in a very fast 11 seconds. He had a lead of about two lengths, but Hill Rise had gotten in the clear and started to make up ground.<ref name=SIKentucky>{{cite magazine|last1=Tower|first1=Whitney|title=The Dancer Dazzles Old Kentucky|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1964/05/11/607195/the-dancer-dazzles-old-kentucky|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=5 July 2016|date=11 May 1964}}</ref> Author [[Kevin Chong]] later wrote of Northern Dancer's "short, powerful legs making like a hummingbird's wings"<ref>{{cite web|last1=Izenberg|first1=Dafna|title=Northern Dancer: a legendary Canadian horse|url=http://www.macleans.ca/culture/books/living-on-the-coast-waiting-for-the-big-one/|website=macleans.ca|access-date=3 July 2016|date=17 April 2014}}</ref> as he ran down the stretch. Hill Rise closed with giant strides, but Northern Dancer prevailed by a neck in a new race record of two minutes flat that stood until [[Secretariat (horse)|Secretariat]] broke it in 1973.<ref name="KingOfCanada" /> He became the first Canadian-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby, making front-page headlines across Canada.<ref name="KingOfCanada" /><ref name=Kocher>{{cite web|last1=Kocher|first1=Greg|title=Northern Dancer's run: 2 minutes on the track, 50 years in Thoroughbred bloodlines|url=http://www.kentucky.com/sports/horses/kentucky-derby/article44487018.html|website=Lexington Herald-Leader|access-date=3 July 2016|date=April 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>Lennox, pp. 96–97</ref>

Hartack, known for a somewhat adversarial relationship with the press, was full of praise after the race. "[Northern Dancer] is a game, hard trying little horse," he said. "He was always in good position and he ran real strong on the turns. He really did some running from the quarter pole to the eighth pole, and he was running his gamest at the wire."<ref name="NYT-KDerby">{{cite web |title=Northern Dancer Wins Kentucky Derby by a Neck|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/03/archives/northern-dancer-wins-kentucky-derby-by-a-neck-yanks-lose-to.html |url-access=subscription |website=The New York Times |first=Joe|last=Nichols|access-date=8 December 2019 |date=3 May 1964}}</ref> With the [[Preakness Stakes]] being run just two weeks later, Luro was concerned that Northern Dancer would find the race more demanding, especially because the track at [[Pimlico Race Course|Pimlico]] was deep and taxing. Accordingly, he used long gallops of between two and three miles to build up stamina. Then on the Friday before the race, he "blew out" Northern Dancer with a 3-furlong workout in a brisk :35{{frac|3|5}} to sharpen his speed.<ref name="SIPreakness">{{cite magazine|last1=Tower|first1=Whitney|title=Three for the Triple Crown|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1964/05/25/625173/three-for-the-triple-crown|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=5 July 2016|date=May 25, 1964}}</ref>

For the Preakness on May 16, Northern Dancer went off as the 2–1 second favourite to Hill Rise in a field of six that included the top five finishers from the Derby plus [[Quadrangle (horse)|Quadrangle]]. Northern Dancer settled into third place with Hill Rise tracking just behind. Quadrangle moved to the lead down the backstretch and Northern Dancer started to make his move around the far turn. Hartack had yet to ask Northern Dancer for his run, while the jockeys of both Hill Rise and Quadrangle were working hard to maintain their position. Turning into the stretch, Hartack hit Northern Dancer once and he surged to a commanding lead. Near the finish line, Northern Dancer started to tire but Hartack was not overly worried. "If he was tired, the horses behind us would be even more tired," he explained. Northern Dancer won by two and a half lengths. Hill Rise finished third, caught at the wire by The Scoundrel who claimed second.<ref name=SIPreakness />

Northern Dancer celebrated his actual third birthday on May 27 and was presented with a cake of carrots adorned by Canadian flags. He also received hundreds of cards wishing him success in the upcoming [[Belmont Stakes]]. Taylor felt that the horse would not mind the distance of 12 furlongs, believing that Hartack would be able to judge the pace and conserve energy. Luro was more worried, believing that Northern Dancer's best distance was between eight and nine furlongs, but hoped the horse's class would be enough to carry him the extra distance.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Tower|first1=Whitney|title=One More to Make It Nine|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1964/06/08/606850/one-more-to-make-it-nine|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=5 July 2016|date=June 8, 1964}}</ref>

With a [[Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing (United States)|Triple Crown]] at stake, a then-record crowd of 61,215 showed up for the [[Belmont Stakes]] on June 6, run that year at Aqueduct due to renovations at Belmont Park. Northern Dancer went off as the 4–5 favourite in a field of eight, with Hill Rise the second choice at 2–1 and Quadrangle at 13–2. With Northern Dancer under a tight hold, he and Hill Rise tracked each other for the first mile behind a slow pace set by outsider Orientalist. Quadrangle was in second, relaxed and saving ground with excellent position on the rail. After a mile in 1:39{{frac|1|5}}, Quadrangle's jockey, Manuel Ycaza, made his move, confident his horse had enough stamina to outlast the others. Hartack on Northern Dancer and Shoemaker on Hill Rise appeared to underestimate Quadrangle and did not at first respond, allowing Quadrangle to build a substantial lead into the stretch. When finally asked to run, Northern Dancer closed the gap to within half a length in midstretch. However, he then tired and was passed by Roman Brother to finish third, some six lengths behind the winner. Bill Shoemaker on Hill Rise, who finished fourth, lodged an objection against Hartack for being squeezed off on the final turn but the stewards disallowed the claim. The time of 2:28{{frac|2|5}} was just two-fifths of a second off the track record.<ref name=NYT-Belmont /><ref name="SIBelmont">{{cite web|last1=Tower|first1=Whitney|title=SI Vault – Taken for a Virginia Reel|url=https://www.si.com/vault/issue/42846/44/2|website=www.si.com|access-date=5 July 2016|date=June 15, 1964}}</ref> Hartack said he had been worried about several horses, including Quadrangle, before the race and felt the distance was the decisive factor. Asked if he felt disappointed by the result, he replied, "How can it be a disappointment when a horse runs his heart out for you? He certainly didn't disgrace himself – not to me, anyway."<ref name=NYT-Belmont />

====Return to Canada====
In spite of the loss in the Belmont, the mayor of [[Toronto]] declared June 8, 1964, to be "Northern Dancer Day", which included a ceremony held at city hall. (The idea of a ticker-tape parade down [[Bay Street]] was nixed due to the colt's high-strung temperament.)<ref name="KingOfCanada" /><ref>Lennox, p. 104</ref> E. P. Taylor was presented with a key to the city—carved out of a carrot. Taylor presented the key to Northern Dancer when the horse arrived at Woodbine a few days later; the colt promptly ate it.<ref name=Timeline />

On June 25, Northern Dancer was the heavy betting favourite in the [[Queen's Plate]] at odds of 1–7 in a field of eight. He raced from well off the pace, trailing the field around the first turn and still in sixth down the backstretch. Hartack relaxed his hold entering the far turn, and Northern Dancer "zoomed" past the early leaders, then drew off to win by {{frac|7|1|2}} lengths. Hartack never needed the whip.<ref name=NYT-QueensPlate /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Christie|first1=James|title=Greatest sire in history would be 50 today|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/more-sports/greatest-sire-in-history-would-be-50-today/article581081/|website=The Globe and Mail|access-date=5 July 2016|date=May 26, 2011}}</ref> Northern Dancer completed the race in 2:02{{frac|1|5}}, which, although more than two seconds off his time in the Kentucky Derby, was just one-fifth of a second off the race record set by [[Victoria Park (horse)|Victoria Park]] in 1960.<ref name=Timeline /><ref>{{cite web|title=Queen's Plate Facts (archived version)|url=http://queensplate.com/RacingWagering/Documents/QP-Facts-2014.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816174957/http://queensplate.com/RacingWagering/Documents/QP-Facts-2014.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 August 2016|website=queensplate.com|access-date=5 July 2016}}</ref> "My main concern was with the first turn," said Luro after the race. "You see, we were in the No. 1 post position, and it could have been tough to get around other horses at the turn." Accordingly, Hartack had restrained Northern Dancer at the start to avoid traffic problems. However, the colt's poor position made Hartack move sooner than he would have preferred.<ref name="NYT-QueensPlate">{{cite web |last1=Nichols |first1=Joe |title=Northern Dancer Wins at Toronto; Triumphs by 7½ Lengths in Rich Queen's Plate |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/21/archives/northern-dancer-wins-at-toronto-triumphs-by-712-lengths-in-rich.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=8 December 2019 |date=21 June 1964}}</ref> Despite the easy win, Hartack felt the colt had been somewhat "dull", and possibly unsound.<ref>Hunter, pg. 119</ref>

Northern Dancer remains the only Kentucky Derby winner to also take the Queen's Plate.<ref name="ACP" />

====Aftermath====
Northern Dancer pulled up [[Lameness (equine)|lame]] after a workout at Belmont in July.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Tower|first1=Whitney|title=Quadrangle splashes ahead|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1964/08/31/608340/quadrangle-splashes-ahead|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=5 July 2016|date=August 31, 1964}}</ref> According to Luro, Northern Dancer had run with a [[Splints|splint]] on the inside of his left front leg since age two but had never before shown visible evidence of injury. The earlier symptoms of lameness noticed by Turcotte and Hartack had only manifested at full racing speed. Assistant trainer Norman Bowles later said the horse "would probably run through anything – he was a tough little man – and you never can tell when one of those things may start stinging.<ref>Hunter, pp. 99–100</ref> This time, he had developed a [[bowed tendon]]. It did not respond to treatment, and this ended his racing career.<ref name="UPI">{{cite web|last1=del Conte|first1=B.J.|title=Northern Dancer dies at 29|url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/11/16/Northern-Dancer-dies-at-29/3411658731600/|website=UPI.com|access-date=12 July 2016|date=November 16, 1990}}</ref>

Northern Dancer was named the [[American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse|Champion Three-Year-Old Colt]] of 1964 in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=Northern Dancer Voted 3-Year-Old Champion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/25/archives/northern-dancer-voted-3yearold-champion.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=13 January 2020 |date=25 November 1964}}</ref> He was also named the three-year-old champion in Canada and [[Canadian Horse of the Year]].{{efn|For the Canadian awards in 1964, a requirement that a horse do its "best racing" in Canada was waived for Northern Dancer. He would not have been eligible under current rules either, which require three starts in Canada<ref>Hunter, pg. 122</ref>}}  In addition, he was named Canadian Athlete of the Year.<ref name="CHoF">{{cite web|title=Northern Dancer |url=http://horseracinghalloffame.com/1976/12/04/northern-dancer/|website=Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame |access-date=3 July 2016}}</ref> He was the high weight at 128 pounds on the ''Daily Racing Form'''s American Free Handicap for three-year-olds, one pound above both Roman Brother and Quadrangle. He was also the high weight at 132 pounds on the Canadian Free Handicap, 12 pounds more than Langcrest.<ref name="Timeline" />

In his two-year racing career, Northern Dancer won 14 of his 18 starts and never finished worse than third. His earnings totaled $580,000, then a record for a Canadian-bred horse.<ref name="Klingaman">{{cite news |last1=Klingaman |first1=Mike |title=Fifty years later, Northern Dancer's genes still produce winning results |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horse-racing/bs-sp-northern-dancer-20140514-story.html |access-date=December 2, 2019 |work=Baltimore Sun |date=May 14, 2014}}</ref><ref name=NYT-KDerby /> In ''[[The Blood-Horse magazine|The Blood-Horse]]'' listing of the [[Blood-Horse magazine List of Top 100 Racehorses of the 20th Century|top 100 American Thoroughbred racehorses of the 20th century]], he was ranked number 43.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Duke|first1= Jacqueline|title=Thoroughbred champions : top 100 racehorses of the 20th century|date=1999|publisher=The Blood-Horse, Inc.|location=Lexington, Ky.|isbn=1581500246|pages=[https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781581500240/page/134 134–135]|edition=1st|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781581500240/page/134}}</ref>

==Statistics==
{| class = "wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; width:90%"
|-
! scope="col" | Date
! scope="col" | Age
! scope="col" | Distance
! scope="col" | Race
! scope="col" | Track
! scope="col" | Odds
! scope="col" | Time
! scope="col" | Field
! scope="col" | Finish
! scope="col" | Margin
! scope="col" | Jockey
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Ref
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" | {{dts|1963|Aug|2}}
| 2
| {{ntsh|5.5}} {{frac|5|1|2}} [[furlong]]s
| Maiden
| [[Fort Erie Race Track]]
| {{ntsh|0.95}}0.95*
| 1:06{{frac|1|5}}
| 8
| 1
| {{ntsh|6.75}} {{frac|6|3|4}} [[Horse length|lengths]]
| {{sortname|Ron|Turcotte}}
|<ref name="Champions">{{cite book |title=Champions : the lives, times, and past performances of America's greatest thoroughbreds |date=2005 |publisher=Daily Racing Form Press |location=New York |isbn=1-932910-02-6 |page=216 |edition=Rev.}}</ref><ref name=Timeline /><ref name=Hunter86 /><ref>{{cite web |title=Fort Erie Racing - Our History |url=https://www.forterieracing.com/our-history |website=www.forterieracing.com |access-date=5 December 2019}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1963|August|17}}
| 2
| {{ntsh|6.5}} {{frac|6|1|2}} [[furlong]]s
| [[Vandal Stakes]]
| [[Fort Erie Race Track]]
|{{ntsh|6.55}}6.55
| 1:19
| 11
| 2
| {{ntsh|-4}}(4 lengths)
| {{sortname|Paul|Bohenko}}
|<ref name=Champions /><ref name=Timeline /><ref name=Hunter86>Hunter, pg. 86</ref>
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1963|August|24}}
| 2
| {{ntsh|8}} 1 mile (turf)
| [[Summer Stakes (Canada)|Summer Stakes]]
| [[Fort Erie Race Track]]
|{{ntsh|1.65}}1.65*
| 1:43{{frac|2|5}}
| 7
| 1
| {{ntsh|1.25}}{{frac|1|1|4}} lengths
| {{sortname|Paul|Bohenko}}
|<ref name=Champions /><ref name=Timeline /><ref>{{cite web |title=Northern Dancer, $5.30, Wins |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/08/25/archives/northern-dancer-530-wins.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=7 December 2019 |date=25 August 1963}}</ref><ref>Hunter, pg. 87</ref>
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1963|September|28}}
| 2
| {{ntsh|8.5}} {{frac|1|1|16}} mile (turf)
| [[Cup and Saucer Stakes]]
| [[Woodbine Racetrack]]
|1.60*
| 1:45{{frac|3|5}}
| 16
| 2
| {{ntsh|-.75}}({{frac|3|4}} [[Horse length|lengths]])
| {{sortname|Ron|Turcotte}}
|<ref name=Champions /><ref name=Timeline />
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1963|October|7}}
| 2
| {{ntsh|8.25}} 1 mile and 70 yards
| Bloordale Purse (allowance)
| [[Woodbine Racetrack]]
|0.45*
| 1:42
| 6
| 1
| {{ntsh|1.5}} 1 [[Horse length|length]]
| {{sortname|Ron|Turcotte}}
|<ref name=Champions /><ref name=Timeline /><ref name="Hunter, pg. 90"/>
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1963|October|12}}
| 2
| {{ntsh|9}} {{frac|1|1|8}} miles
| [[Coronation Futurity Stakes]]
| [[Woodbine Racetrack]]
|1.00*
|1:51
| 15
| 1
| {{ntsh|6.25}}{{frac|6|1|4}} [[Horse length|lengths]]
| {{sortname|Ron|Turcotte}}
|<ref name=Champions /><ref name=Timeline />
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1963|November|6}}
| 2
| {{ntsh|7}} 7 [[furlong]]s
| Carleton Stakes
| [[Greenwood Raceway]]
|0.30*
|1:27{{frac|3|5}}
| 6
| 1
| {{ntsh|2.5}}{{frac|2|1|2}} lengths
| {{sortname|Jim|Fitzsimmons|nolink=1}}
|<ref name=Timeline />
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1963|November|18}}
| 2
| {{ntsh|8}} 1 mile
| Sir Gaylord Purse (allowance)
| [[Aqueduct Racetrack]]
|2.60
|1:36
| 6
| 1
| {{ntsh|8}}8 [[Horse length|lengths]]
| {{sortname|Manuel|Ycaza}}
|<ref name=Champions /><ref name=Timeline /><ref name="SirGaylord">{{cite web |last1=Nichols |first1=Joe |title=Northern Dancer Wins by 8 Lengths in Mile Feature at Aqueduct |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/11/19/archives/northern-dancer-wins-by-8-lengths-in-mile-feature-at-aqueduct.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=7 December 2019 |date=19 November 1963}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1963|November|27}}
| 2
| {{ntsh|8}} 1 mile
| [[Remsen Stakes]]
| [[Aqueduct Racetrack]]
|{{ntsh|0.25}}0.25*
| 1:35{{frac|3|5}}{{efn|New stakes record}}
| 6
| 1
| {{ntsh|2}}2 [[Horse length|lengths]]
| {{sortname|Manuel|Ycaza}}
|<ref name=Champions /><ref name=Remsen/>
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1964|February|10}}
| 3
| {{ntsh|6}} 6 [[furlong]]s
| Allowance
| [[Hialeah Park]]
|{{ntsh|1.4}}1.40
| 1:10{{frac|2|5}}
| 7
| 3
| {{ntsh|-2}}(2 lengths)
| {{sortname|Bobby|Ussery}}
|<ref name=Champions /><ref name=Timeline /><ref>{{cite web |title=Chieftain Scores at Hialeah in His First Race of Season — Northern Dancer Third After Awkward Start |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/11/archives/chieftain-scores-at-hialeah-in-his-first-race-of-season-guest-colt.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=7 December 2019 |date=11 February 1964}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1964|March|3}}
| 3
| {{ntsh|9}} {{frac|1|1|8}} miles
| [[Flamingo Stakes]]
| [[Hialeah Park]]
|{{ntsh|1}}1.00*
| 1:47{{frac|4|5}}
| 11
| 1
| {{ntsh|2}}2 lengths
| {{sortname|Bill|Shoemaker}}
|<ref name=Champions /><ref name=Timeline /><ref name=Flamingo />
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1964|March|28}}
| 3
| {{ntsh|7}} 7 [[furlong]]s
| Allowance 
| [[Gulfstream Park]] 
|{{ntsh|0.4}}0.40*
| 1:22{{frac|2|5}}{{efn|Tied track record}}
| 7
| 1
| {{ntsh|4}}4 lengths
| {{sortname|Manuel|Ycaza}}
|<ref name=Champions /><ref name=Allowance/>
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1964|April|4}}
| 3
| {{ntsh|9}} {{frac|1|1|8}} miles
| [[Florida Derby]]
| [[Gulfstream Park]]
| {{ntsh|0.3}}0.30*
| 1:50{{frac|4|5}}
| 8
| 1
| {{ntsh|1}}1 [[Horse length|length]]
| {{sortname|Bill|Shoemaker}}
|<ref name=Champions /><ref name=FlaDerby />
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1964|April|23}}
| 3
| {{ntsh|9}} {{frac|1|1|8}} miles
| [[Blue Grass Stakes]] 
| [[Keeneland Race Course]]
|{{ntsh|0.2}}0.20*
| 1:49{{frac|4|5}}
| 5
| 1
| {{ntsh|.5}}{{frac|1|2}} length
| {{sortname|Bill|Hartack}}
|<ref name=Champions /><ref name=BlueGrass />
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1964|May|2}}
| 3
| {{ntsh|10}} {{frac|1|1|4}} miles
| [[Kentucky Derby]] 
| [[Churchill Downs]]
|3.40
| 2:00{{efn|New track record}}
| 12
| 1
| {{ntsh|0.25}}Neck
| {{sortname|Bill|Hartack}}
|<ref name=Champions /><ref name=NYT-KDerby />
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1964|May|16}}
| 3
| {{ntsh|9.5}} {{frac|1|3|16}} miles
| [[Preakness Stakes]] 
| [[Pimlico Race Course]]
|2.10
| 1:56{{frac|4|5}}
| 6
| 1
| {{ntsh|2.25}}{{frac|2|1|4}} lengths
| {{sortname|Bill|Hartack}}
|<ref name=Champions /><ref name="NYT-Preakness">{{cite web |last=Nichols|first=Joe|title=Northern Dancer is Victor in $176,700 Preakness |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/17/archives/the-scoundrel-2d-trails-620-victor-by-214-lengthsoddson-hill-rise.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=8 December 2019 |date=17 May 1964}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1964|June|6}}
| 3
| {{ntsh|12}} {{frac|1|1|2}} miles
| [[Belmont Stakes]] 
| [[Aqueduct Racetrack]]{{efn|The Belmont Stakes was run at Aqueduct in 1964 because of renovations to the grandstand at Belmont Park}}
|0.80*
| 2:28{{frac|2|5}}
| 8
| 3
| {{ntsh|-6}}(6 lengths)
| {{sortname|Bill|Hartack}}
|<ref name=Champions /><ref name="NYT-Belmont">{{cite web |last1=Nichols |first1=Joe |title=Quadrange Wins Belmont – Winner Pays $15 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/07/winner-pays-15.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=8 December 2019 |date=7 June 1964}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" |{{dts|1964|June|20}}
| 3
| {{ntsh|10}} {{frac|1|1|4}} miles
| [[Queen's Plate]] 
| [[Woodbine Racetrack]]
|0.15*
| 2:02{{frac|1|5}}
| 8
| 1
| {{ntsh|7.5}}{{frac|7|1|2}} lengths
| {{sortname|Bill|Hartack}}
|<ref name=Champions /><ref name="NYT-QueensPlate" />
|-
|}
An asterisk after the odds means Northern Dancer was the post-time favourite.
{| class="wikitable" style="vertical-align:top; text-align:center;"
|+ Conversion of race distances
|-
! scope= "col" | [[Furlong]]s
! scope= "col" | Miles
! scope= "col" | Meters
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" | {{frac|5|1|2}}
| {{frac|11|16}}
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,106
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" | 6
| {{frac|3|4}}
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,207
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" | {{frac|6|1|2}}
| {{frac|13|16}}
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,308
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" | 7
| {{frac|7|8}}
| style="text-align:right;" | {{convert|.875|mi|m|0|sp=us|disp=output only|abbr=values}}
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" | 8
| 1
| style="text-align:right;" | {{convert|1|mi|m|0|sp=us|disp=output only|abbr=values}}
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" | {{frac|8|1|2}}
| {{frac|1|1|16}}
| style="text-align:right;" | {{convert|1.0625|mi|m|0|sp=us|disp=output only|abbr=values}}
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" | 9
| {{frac|1|1|8}}
| style="text-align:right;" | {{convert|1.125|mi|m|0|sp=us|disp=output only|abbr=values}}
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" | {{frac|9|1|2}}
| {{frac|1|3|16}}
| style="text-align:right;" | {{convert|1.1875|mi|m|0|sp=us|disp=output only|abbr=values}}
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" | 10
| {{frac|1|1|4}}
| style="text-align:right;" | {{convert|1.25|mi|m|0|sp=us|disp=output only|abbr=values}}
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight:normal;" | 12
| {{frac|1|1|2}}
| style="text-align:right;" | {{convert|1.5|mi|m|0|sp=us|disp=output only|abbr=values}}
|}

==Breeding career==
Northern Dancer retired to [[horse breeding|stud]] in 1965 at Taylor's Windfields Farm in [[Oshawa, Ontario]], for an initial fee of $10,000.<ref name="Lennox, p. 209">Lennox, p. 209</ref> Due to his small size, a ramp was built in the breeding shed to allow Northern Dancer to service mares who were taller than him.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Allemang|first1=John|title=Northern Dancer: A smart recreation of the unexpected Kentucky Derby winner|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/northern-dancer-a-smart-recreation-of-the-unexpected-kentucky-derby-winner/article18720495/|website=The Globe and Mail|access-date=14 July 2016|date=May 16, 2014}}</ref> He was bred to 35 mares, with 21 live foals being produced in 1966. The first crop reached racing age in 1968 and was an immediate success, including [[Viceregal (horse)|Viceregal]], who was named Canadian Horse of the Year. Nine others also became [[Stakes race|stakes winners]], an "astounding" 47.6% of the crop.<ref>Hunter, pp. 127–129</ref> "His first foals ran so well," said Ed Bowen, former editor of ''The Blood-Horse''. "Northern Dancer had that aura about him right away."<ref name=Kocher />

Although his second crop produced only four stakes winners, it played a crucial role in his developing reputation. His leading performer was [[Nijinsky (horse)|Nijinsky]], who was purchased by Irish trainer [[Vincent O'Brien]] at the Canadian yearling sale for $84,000. Nijinsky went on to win the 1970 [[English Triple Crown]], the first horse to do so since 1935. Nijinsky was named Horse of the Year in England and Ireland. Meanwhile, [[Fanfreluche]] was named Canadian Horse of the Year and co-champion three year-old-filly in both Canada and the United States.<ref>Hunter, pp. 130–134</ref>

As the result of his success, Northern Dancer was relocated to the Maryland division of Windfields Farm in December 1968<ref>{{cite web |title=Maryland Horse December 1968 |date=December 1968 |publisher=Maryland Horse Breeders Association |url=https://archive.org/details/nslm-maryland-horse-december-1968 }}</ref> and was [[syndicate]]d in August 1970 for $2.4 million. Taylor retained several shares in the stallion, while other members included [[Claiborne Farm]], [[Allaire du Pont]], [[Greentree Stable|Greentree Stud]], [[J. Louis Levesque]], [[Paul Mellon]], [[Spendthrift Farm]], [[Tartan Stable|Tartan Farm]] and [[Alfred G. Vanderbilt]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Group Syndicates Northern Dancer |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1970/08/13/archives/group-syndicates-northern-dancer-9.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=13 January 2020 |date=13 August 1970}}</ref> Each share in the syndicate provided an annual breeding right to Northern Dancer, and relatively few other breeding rights were publicly available. As a result of the scarcity of his services and his continued success, Northern Dancer's stud fee rose, slowly at first: from $10,000 (live foal) in 1965, to $15,000 (live foal) in 1969, to $25,000 (live foal) in 1971 to $35,000 ($10,000 of which was non-refundable) in 1975 to $50,000 (no guarantee) in 1978. His published fee, with no guarantee that a live foal would result, then started a rapid increase: $100,000 in 1980, $150,000 in 1981, $250,000 in 1982, $300,000 in 1983 and $500,000 in 1984. For his final years at stud (1985–1987), his breeding rights were privately negotiated,<ref name="Lennox, p. 209"/> with one season selling at auction for $1 million,<ref name="Lamoreaux">{{cite web|last1=Lamoreaux|first1=E.S. "Bud"|title=Northern Dancer, The Super Stud For All Times|url=http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/northern_dancer_the_super_stud_for_all_times/|website=Paulick Report|access-date=12 July 2016|date=26 January 2016}}</ref> an amount four to five times that of his closest rivals.<ref name=NDNYTimes>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/17/sports/horse-racing-northern-dancer-one-of-racing-s-great-sires-is-dead.html |title=Northern Dancer, One of Racing's Great Sires, Is Dead |newspaper=New York Times |date=November 17, 1990 |access-date=12 July 2016 |first=Robert McG. Jr. |last=Thomas }}</ref> By contrast, the highest North American stud fee in 2016 was $300,000 for [[Tapit]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Levinson|first1=Mason|title=Meet the $300,000-a-Pop Stud That's Dominating U.S. Horse Racing|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-04-30/meet-the-300-000-a-pop-stud-that-s-dominating-u-s-horse-racing|website=Bloomberg.com|access-date=12 July 2016|date=April 30, 2015}}</ref>

[[File:Lyphard.jpg|thumb|Lyphard resembled his sire closely.<ref name=Lyphard />]]
Northern Dancer was one of the 20th century's most successful Thoroughbred sires.<ref name=TheStar /> From 645 named foals, he sired 411 winners (63.7%) and 147 stakes winners (22.8%).<ref name=ACP /> The 147 stakes winners was then a record.<ref name="Conway">{{cite web |last1=Conway |first1=Terry |title=Northern Dancer: The Patriarch Stallion |url=https://www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/2017-northern-dancer-the-patriarch-stallion |website=www.americasbestracing.net |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=September 28, 2017|language=en}}</ref> He was the 1971 [[leading sire in North America]] and also in 1977 when international earnings are included.<ref name=LeadingSires /> His progeny were highly sought in Europe, and he became the [[leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland]] in 1970, 1978, 1983, and 1984.<ref name="GBISires">{{cite web|title=Leading Sires of Great Britain and Ireland|url=http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricSires/LeadingSires/GBLeadSires.html|website=Thoroughbred Heritage|access-date=7 April 2020}}</ref> Most of his progeny resembled him in size and shape: Nijinsky, who stood over {{hands|16|lk=off}}, proved the exception.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Morris|first1=Tony|title=Stamping their stock |url=http://www.juddmonte.com/news/2015/060315TonyMorrisMarch.aspx|website=Juddmonte |access-date=12 July 2016|date=March 6, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814130948/http://www.juddmonte.com/news/2015/060315TonyMorrisMarch.aspx |archive-date= Aug 14, 2016 }}</ref> They were also generally known for their balance and acceleration.<ref name=ACP />

When Northern Dancer was 20 years old (an advanced age for a stallion), his owners turned down an offer of US$40 million from a European syndicate for him. Northern Dancer's entry into stud service was ranked number 28 in "Horse Racing's Top 100 Moments", a 2006 review of American racing in the 20th century by ''The Blood-Horse'' magazine.<ref name=ACP />

===Notable progeny===
Northern Dancer's major stakes winners include:<ref name=ACP /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/21748/another-stakes-winner-for-northern-dancer |title=Another Stakes Winner for Northern Dancer |publisher=BloodHorse |date=April 8, 2004 |access-date=May 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>Lennox, pp. 191–195</ref><ref>Hunter, pp. 201–208</ref>

''c = [[colt (horse)|colt]], f = [[filly]], g = [[gelding]]''

{| class = "wikitable sortable" style="width:90%"
|- bgcolor="#eeeeee"
! width="35px" | '''Foaled'''
! width="120px" | '''Name'''
! width="35px" | '''Sex'''
! width="510px" | '''Major Wins'''
|-
|1966
|Cool Mood
|f
|[[Canadian Oaks]]. second dam of [[With Approval]] and [[Touch Gold]]
|-
|1966
|Dance Act
|g
|Canadian champion handicap horse (1970, 1971) – Jockey Club Cup, Dominion Day Handicap, Fair Play Stakes, Seagram Cup
|-
|1966
|One for All
|c
|Canadian champion turf horse (1970) – Sunset Handicap, Pan American Handicap, Canadian International
|-
|1966
|[[Viceregal (horse)|Viceregal]]
|c
|Canadian Horse of the Year (1968) – Coronation Futurity, Cup and Saucer Stakes, Summer Stakes
|-
|1967
|[[Fanfreluche (horse)|Fanfreluche]]
|f
|Canadian Horse of the Year (1970) – [[Alabama Stakes]], [[Natalma Stakes]], [[Bison City Stakes]]
|-
|1967
|[[Nijinsky (horse)|Nijinsky]]
|c
|English Horse of the Year (1970) – [[English Triple Crown]], [[King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes]], [[Irish Derby]], [[Dewhurst Stakes]]
|-
|1968
|Alma North
|f
|Cotillion Stakes, Matchmaker Handicap
|-
|1968
|[[Lauries Dancer]]
|f
|Canadian Horse of the Year (1971) – Alabama Stakes, Delaware Oaks, [[Canadian Oaks]], Bison City Stakes
|-
|1968
|Minsky
|c
|Irish champion 2yo colt (1970) – Beresford Stakes, Railway Stakes
|-
|1969
|[[Lyphard]]
|c
|[[Prix Jacques Le Marois]], [[Prix de la Forêt]]
|-
|1969
|[[Nice Dancer]]
|c
|Canadian champion 3yo colt (1972) – [[Breeders' Stakes]], Manitoba Derby
|-
|1971
|[[Northern Taste]]
|c
|[[Prix de la Forêt]]
|-
|1972
|[[Broadway Dancer]]
|f
|French champion 2yo filly (1974) – [[Prix Morny]]
|-
|1972
|Dancers Countess
|f
|[[Matchmaker Stakes]]
|-
|1974
|Dance in Time
|c
|Canadian champion 3yo colt (1977) – [[Prince of Wales Stakes]], Breeders' Stakes
|-
|1974
|Giboulee
|c
|Canadian champion older horse (1978) – Dominion Day Handicap, Virgil Handicap
|-
|1974
|[[Northernette]]
|f
|Canadian champion filly at two (1976) and three (1977) – Mazarine Stakes, Canadian Oaks, Selene Stakes, [[Apple Blossom Handicap]], Top Flight Handicap
|-
|1974
|[[The Minstrel]]
|c
|English Horse of the Year (1977) – [[Epsom Derby]], Irish Derby, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Dewhurst Stakes
|-
|1975
|[[Try My Best]]
|c
|English and Irish champion 2yo colt (1977) – Dewhurst Stakes
|-
|1975
|White Star Line
|f
|[[Kentucky Oaks]], Delaware Oaks, Alabama Stakes
|-
|1976
|[[Northern Baby]]
|c
|[[Champion Stakes]]
|-
|1977
|[[Nureyev (horse)|Nureyev]]
|c
|French champion miler (1980) – [[Prix Djebel]]. Finished first in 2000 Guineas but was disqualified
|-
|1978
|[[Storm Bird]]
|c
|Champion 2yo colt in England and Ireland (1980) – Dewhurst Stakes, [[National Stakes]]
|-
|1979
|[[Dance Number]]
|f
|[[Beldame Stakes]]. dam of champion [[Rhythm (horse)|Rhythm]]
|-
|1979
|[[Woodstream]]
|f
|Irish champion 2yo filly (1981) – [[Moyglare Stud Stakes]], [[Cheveley Park Stakes]]
|-
|1980
|Danzatore
|c
|Irish champion 2yo colt (1982) – Beresford Stakes
|-
|1980
|[[Hero's Honor]]
|c
|[[Bowling Green Handicap]], [[United Nations Handicap]]
|-
|1980
|[[Lomond (horse)|Lomond]]
|c
|[[2000 Guineas]]
|-
|1980
|[[Shareef Dancer]]
|c
|Champion 3yo colt in England and Ireland (1983) – Irish Derby
|-
|1980
|Spit Curl
|f
|Alabama Stakes
|-
|1981
|[[El Gran Senor]]
|c
|English champion colt at two (1983) and three (1984) – 2000 Guineas, Irish Derby, Dewhurst Stakes, National Stakes
|-
|1981
|[[Northern Trick]]
|f
|French champion 3yo filly (1984) – [[Prix de Diane]], [[Prix Vermeille]]
|-
|1981
|[[Sadler's Wells (horse)|Sadler's Wells]]
|c
|French champion miler (1984) – [[Irish 2000 Guineas]], [[Eclipse Stakes]], [[Irish Champion Stakes]]
|-
|1981
|[[Secreto]]
|c
|Irish champion colt (1984) – Epsom Derby
|-
|1982
|Northern Aspen
|f
|Gamely Handicap
|-
|1983
|[[Tate Gallery (horse)|Tate Gallery]]
|c
|National Stakes
|-
|1984
|[[Ajdal]]
|c
|Champion sprinter in England and France (1987) – Dewhurst Stakes, [[July Cup]], [[William Hill Sprint Championship]], [[Vernons Sprint Cup]]
|-
|}

===Sales records===
Former [[Keeneland]] chairman [[Ted Bassett (executive)|Ted Bassett]] wrote in his autobiography that between 1974 and 1988, the sons and daughters of Northern Dancer fetched the highest prices of all sires at the yearling sales 12 times, "and that constitutes a record that may last forever."<ref name=Kocher /> Northern Dancer's yearlings also led the [[Keeneland Sales|Keeneland July Selected Yearling Sale]] by average price 12 times in the same period. In 1984, 12 yearlings by Northern Dancer sold for an unrivaled sale-record average price of [[United States dollar|US$]]3,446,666 (about ${{Inflation|US|3.45|1984|r=1}} million adjusted for inflation).<ref>{{cite web |title=Keeneland November to feature Windfields Farm, Overbrook dispersals |url=http://www.brisnet.com/content/2009/11/keeneland-november-to-feature-windfields-farm-overbrook-dispersals/ |website=Brisnet |access-date=7 April 2020 |date=9 November 2009}}</ref> Combined over a period of 22 years, the top 174 Northern Dancer offspring at the Keeneland Sales sold for a total $160 million.<ref name=NDNYTimes/> The bidding duels between [[John Magnier]] and [[Robert Sangster]] of [[Coolmore Stud]] and Sheikh [[Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum]] of [[Darley Stud]] helped drive up the prices as both sought future breeding prospects.<ref name=Crist>{{cite web|last1=Crist|first1=Steven|title=Sheik's Coup in Sport of Kings|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/07/21/sports/sheik-s-coup-in-sport-of-kings.html|website=The New York Times|access-date=12 July 2016|date=21 July 1983}}</ref><ref name="Guardian">{{cite web|last1=Clee|first1=Nicholas|title=He's never run a race, so why pay $16m for him?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/may/07/horseracing.features|website=The Guardian|access-date=12 July 2016|date=May 7, 2006}}</ref>

Three of the most [[Thoroughbred valuation|expensive colts ever sold at public auction]] were sired by Northern Dancer: [[Snaafi Dancer]], who became the first $10-million yearling when sold to Sheikh Mohammed for $10.2 million in 1983;<ref name=Crist /> a colt out of Ballade later named Imperial Falcon, who sold for $8.25 million to Sangster in 1984;<ref>{{cite web|last1=Associated Press|title=Keeneland Sales Shatter Records|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=El0xAAAAIBAJ&pg=4603,4262079&dq=northern+dancer-ballade+colt&hl=en|publisher=Ocala Star Banner|access-date=12 July 2016|date=July 24, 1984}}</ref> and a colt out of Fabuleux Jane later named Jareer, who sold for $7.1 million to Darley Stud.<ref>{{cite web|title=Northern Dancer's Offspring Top Sales|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19840725&id=LasTAAAAIBAJ&pg=5782,5299640|publisher=Ocala Star Banner|access-date=12 July 2016|date=July 25, 1984}}</ref> Although none of these three colts was a major winner on the racetrack, the success of other high-priced yearlings like Shareef Dancer (auctioned for $3.3 million), Nureyev (auctioned for $1.3 million) and Lomond (privately sold for 1.5 million) kept demand high.<ref>Hunter, pp 146–148</ref>

==End of life and burial==
{{multiple image|align=right|total_width=320|image1=Northern Dancer grave stone.jpg|image2=Main cemetery at Windfields Farm 1.jpg|footer=Northern Dancer's grave in the main cemetery at Windfields Farm}}

Northern Dancer was retired from stud on April 15, 1987, having started to experience heart problems and arthritis.<!--do we use US or UK dating, given that the horse is Canadian but lived mostly in the US (not to mention his greatest impact on the breed was in the UK)? Article is inconsistent. JJ: try to stick to MDY, although it's very Canadian to use both date systems almost interchangeably :) --> He was pensioned at Windfields Farm in Maryland and when the farm was subsequently sold, a special clause was written to guarantee his lifelong right to live there. On November 15, 1990, at the age of 29, he suffered a severe [[Horse colic|colic]], possibly complicated by a strangulation of his small intestine. Due to his advanced age, it was felt that Northern Dancer would be unable to survive surgery so he was [[Animal euthanasia|euthanized]] on November 16. He was loaded in a specially built oak coffin and then wrapped in a blanket he had won during his racing career. That same day, his remains were brought back to Canada in a refrigerated van for burial at Windfields Farm in Oshawa, Ontario.<ref name=CHoF/><ref name="SunDeath">{{cite web |last1=Peddicord |first1=Ross |title=Right up to coffin, Northern Dancer's life was one of class |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1990/11/19/right-up-to-coffin-northern-dancers-life-was-one-of-class/ |website=tribunedigital-baltimoresun |access-date=8 July 2018 |date=November 19, 1990 |language=en |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708075424/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1990-11-19/sports/1990323184_1_northern-dancer-stallion-clevenger |url-status=live }}</ref>

Windfields Farm was subsequently sold to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (now [[Ontario Tech University]]) and [[Durham College]], and Northern Dancer's burial site was not publicly accessible for many years, at one point becoming covered in weeds.<ref>{{cite web|title=Northern Dancer: The Canadian Super Horse that Nobody Wanted|url=http://www.horse-canada.com/horses-and-history/northern-dancer-the-canadian-super-horse-that-nobody-wanted/|website=horse-canada.com|access-date=July 3, 2016|date=July 21, 2014}}</ref> On April 16, 2018, the grave became an official heritage site under the ''[[Ontario Heritage Act]]'', with funds presented by the City of Oshawa to landscape the surrounding area.<ref>{{cite web |title=Northern Dancer: Little horse, big legacy |url=http://oshawaexpress.ca/northern-dancer-little-horse-big-legacy/ |website=The Oshawa Express |access-date=8 July 2018 |language=en-CA |date=18 April 2018}}</ref>

==Legacy and honours==
[[File:NorthernDancer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|left|Statue of Northern Dancer at [[Woodbine Racetrack]]|alt=photograph of a large statue of a horse standing outside ]]
In 1964, Northern Dancer was the [[American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse#Daily Racing Form, Turf & Sport Digest and Thoroughbred Racing Association Awards|American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse]] and the Canadian Horse of the Year.<ref name="ACP" /> In 1965, he became the first horse voted into [[Canada's Sports Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Canada's Sports Hall of Fame – Northern Dancer|url=http://www.sportshall.ca/stories.html?proID=335&catID=all&lang=EN|website=www.sportshall.ca|access-date=12 July 2016|archive-date=August 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820072642/http://www.sportshall.ca/stories.html?proID=335&catID=all&lang=EN|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1976, Northern Dancer was an inaugural inductee to the new [[Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame]]<ref name="CHoF" /> and was also inducted into the [[National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame|United States Horse Racing Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Northern Dancer – National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame|url=https://www.racingmuseum.org/hall-of-fame/northern-dancer|website=www.racingmuseum.org|access-date=12 July 2016}}</ref> In 1977, Northern Dancer won three world sires' premiership titles for the number of international stakes winners, international stakes wins, and total stake earnings of his progeny.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Bourg|first1=Ross du|title=The Australian and New Zealand thoroughbred|date=1980|publisher=Nelson|location=Melbourne|isbn=0-17-005860-3}}</ref>

Northern Dancer was inducted into the [[Ontario Sports Hall of Fame]] in 1998.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://oshof.ca/index.php/honoured-members/item/65-northern-dancer |title=1998 Inductees – Northern Dancer |website=oshof.ca |publisher=[[Ontario Sports Hall of Fame]] |date=April 1, 2014 |access-date=September 9, 2014 |archive-date=December 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219024153/http://oshof.ca/index.php/honoured-members/item/65-northern-dancer |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1999, [[Canada Post]] honoured the horse with his [[List of people on stamps of Canada|image placed on a postage stamp]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/collecting/stamps/archives/1999/1999_june_horses.jsf |title=Horses |publisher=[[Canada Post]] |work=Canada's Stamp Details (Vol. 8 No 3; May/June/July, 1999) |access-date=2015-02-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205063038/http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/collecting/stamps/archives/1999/1999_june_horses.jsf |archive-date=2015-02-05 }}</ref>  A residential street was named after Northern Dancer on the former site of the [[Greenwood Race Track]] in east-end Toronto.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.woodbinepark.net/about-woodbine-park/ |title=About Woodbine Park |publisher=Woodbine Park Community Association |access-date=February 4, 2015}}</ref> Also, a life-sized bronze statue of the horse was placed outside Woodbine Racetrack.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Flaherty |first1=Dave |title=The legacy of Windfields Farm and Northern Dancer |url=https://oshawaexpress.ca/the-legacy-of-windfields-farm-and-northern-dancer/ |website=The Oshawa Express |access-date=5 April 2020 |language=en-CA |date=8 October 2019}}</ref>

Over the decades, a number of books have been written about Northern Dancer. In 1995, Muriel Lennox, who had worked for Taylor, published ''Northern Dancer: The Legend and His Legacy''. In 2003, Avalyn Hunter's book ''American Classic Pedigrees (1914–2002)'', extensively covered the influence of Northern Dancer on North America classic winners around the end of the 20th century.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Hunter|first1=Avalyn|title=American classic pedigrees (1914–2002) : a decade-by-decade review of Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont winners, plus Kentucky Oaks and Coaching Club American Oaks|date=2003|publisher=Eclipse Press|location=Lexington, Ky.|isbn=1581500955|edition=1st|ref=ACPBook}}</ref> Her later book, ''The Kingmaker: How Northern Dancer Founded a Racing Dynasty'' covers Northern Dancer's international legacy.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Hunter|first1=Avalyn|title=The kingmaker : how Northern Dancer founded a racing dynasty|date=2008|publisher=Eclipse Press|location=Lexington, Ky.|isbn=978-1581502039|edition=1st [trade paperback]|url=https://smile.amazon.com/Kingmaker-Northern-Dancer-Founded-Dynasty/dp/1581502036/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1467927674&sr=8-4&keywords=avalyn+hunter}}</ref> In 2015, Kevin Chong wrote ''Northern Dancer: The Legendary Horse That Inspired A Nation''.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Chong|first1=Kevin|title=Northern Dancer: The Legendary Horse That Inspired A Nation|date=2015|publisher=Penguin Canada|isbn=978-0143190196|edition=Trade|url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/northern-dancer-the-legendary-horse/9780143190196-item.html?ikwid=Northern+dancer&ikwsec=Books&ikwidx=0}}</ref>

In 2011, the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame held an induction ceremony that included a 50th-anniversary tribute for Northern Dancer. Saxophone instrumentalist Matthew James performed his tribute song, entitled "Northern Dancer".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whitnall |first1=Catherine |title=Musician fuses entertainment and education with unique show |url=https://www.mykawartha.com/news-story/4294063-musician-fuses-entertainment-and-education-with-unique-show/ |website=MyKawartha.com |access-date=7 April 2020 |language=en-CA |date=1 January 2014}}</ref> In 2012, [[Breyer Animal Creations]] released a portrait model of Northern Dancer sculpted by Jeanne Mellin Herrick.<ref>{{cite web|title=Northern Dancer|url=https://www.breyerhorses.com/index.php?pageId=3773|website=www.breyerhorses.com|access-date=12 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Identify Your Breyer - John Henry |url=https://www.identifyyourbreyer.com/identify/JohnH.htm#1494 |website=www.identifyyourbreyer.com |access-date=7 April 2020}}</ref> In 2014, the [[Canadian Film Centre]] unveiled the Northern Dancer Pavilion on its Windfields Farms heritage campus.<ref>{{cite web|title=CFC Unveils the Northern Dancer Pavilion Named After Canadian Racehorse Legend|url=http://cfccreates.com/news/pressroom/216-cfc-unveils-the-northern-dancer-pavilion-named-after-canadian-racehorse-legend|website=cfccreates.com|access-date=4 July 2016|date=June 17, 2014}}</ref> In 2018, the city of Oshawa announced that a new [[elementary school]], located near what used to be Windfields Farm at the corner of Northern Dancer Drive and Bridle Road, would be named after the horse.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Oshawa school named after iconic racing horse |url=http://oshawaexpress.ca/new-oshawa-school-named-after-iconic-racing-horse/ |website=The Oshawa Express |access-date=8 July 2018 |language=en-CA |date=4 July 2018}}</ref> Northern Dancer's Kentucky Derby trophy is on permanent exhibit at the [[Canadian Museum of History]] in [[Gatineau, Québec]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kentucky Derby trophy |url=https://www.historymuseum.ca/blog/kentucky-derby-trophy/ |website=Your Museum. Your Stories. |access-date=20 January 2020}}</ref>

===Sire of sires===
{{Main|Northern Dancer sire line}}
In 1990, ''[[The New York Times]]'' called Northern Dancer "the dominant progenitor of his breed" because his own success at stud was amplified by the impact of his sons around the world.<ref name="NDNYTimes" /> His leading sire sons included:
* [[Be My Guest (horse)|Be My Guest]] – leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland (1982)<ref name="GBISires" />
* [[Danzig (horse)|Danzig]] – leading sire in North America (1991–1993). also a sire of sires, including [[Danehill (horse)|Danehill]], leading sire in both Europe and Australia<ref name="Danzig">{{cite web|title=Danzig (horse)|url=http://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/danzig.html|website=American Classic Pedigrees|access-date=12 July 2016}},</ref> and [[Green Desert (horse)|Green Desert]], whose sire son's include [[Invincible Spirit]], [[Oasis Dream]] and [[Cape Cross (horse)|Cape Cross]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hunter|first1=Avalyn|title=Green Desert (horse)|url=http://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/green-desert.html|website=American Classic Pedigrees|access-date=30 May 2017}}</ref>
* [[Dixieland Band]] – sire of 117 stakes winners and damsire of two Kentucky Derby winners ([[Monarchos]] and [[Street Sense (horse)|Street Sense]])
* [[El Gran Senor]] – sire of 55 stakes winners, also an important broodmare sire<ref>{{cite web |title=El Gran Senor (horse) |url=http://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/el-gran-senor.html |website=American Classic Pedigrees |access-date=1 March 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Fairy King (horse)|Fairy King]] – leading sire in France 1986. also a sire of sires, including [[Encosta de Lago]] in Australia<ref name="FairyKing">{{cite web|title=Fairy King (horse)|url=http://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/fairy-king.html|website=American Classic Pedigrees|access-date=12 July 2016}}</ref>
* [[Lyphard]] – led the French sire list in 1978 and 1979, American sire list in 1986, also an outstanding broodmare sire<ref name="Lyphard">{{cite web|title=Lyphard (horse)|url=http://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/lyphard.html|website=American Classic Pedigrees|access-date=12 July 2016}}</ref>
* [[Nijinsky (horse)|Nijinsky]] – led the English sire list in 1986, when he placed second in North America as well. leading American broodmare sire in 1993 and 1994. sire of sires including [[Caerleon (horse)|Caerleon]]<ref name="Nijinsky">{{cite web|title=Nijinsky (horse)|url=http://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/nijinsky.html|website=American Classic Pedigrees|access-date=12 July 2016}}</ref>
* [[Northern Taste]] – ten-time leading sire in Japan, also a leading broodmare sire<ref name="NorthernTaste">{{cite web|title=Japanese Stallion Northern Taste Dead|url=http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/172647/japanese-stallion-northern-taste-dead|website=BloodHorse|access-date=12 July 2016|date=December 13, 2004}}</ref>
* [[Nureyev (horse)|Nureyev]] – led the French sire list in 1987, also a leading broodmare sire<ref name="Nureyev">{{cite web|title=Nureyev (horse)|url=http://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/nureyev.html|website=American Classic Pedigrees|access-date=12 July 2016}}</ref> 
* [[Sadler's Wells (horse)|Sadler's Wells]] – leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland a record fourteen times. sire of 12 English Classics winners. also a sire of sires, including [[Galileo (horse)|Galileo]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Sadler's Wells (horse) |url=http://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/sadlers-wells.html |website=American Classic Pedigrees |access-date=1 March 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="EnglishClassicSires">{{cite web|title=English Classic Winners|url=http://www.highflyer.supanet.com/classicwinners.htm|website=www.highflyer.supanet.com|access-date=12 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151130034207/http://www.highflyer.supanet.com/classicwinners.htm|archive-date=November 30, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Storm Bird]] – sire of 62 stakes winners, including leading American sire [[Storm Cat]]<ref name="StormBird">{{cite web|title=Storm Bird (horse)|url=http://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/storm-bird-can.html|website=American Classic Pedigrees|access-date=12 July 2016}}</ref>
* [[Vice Regent]] – led the Canadian sire list thirteen times. sire of leading American sire [[Deputy Minister (horse)|Deputy Minister]]<ref name="ViceRegent">{{cite web|title=Vice Regent (horse)|url=http://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/vice-regent-can.html|website=American Classic Pedigrees|access-date=12 July 2016}}</ref>

[[File:2018PreaknessWinnersCircle.jpg|thumb|Triple Crown winner Justify has six crosses to Northern Dancer.]]
Northern Dancer's impact continues well into the 21st century. In North America, 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify has multiple crosses to Northern Dancer, in the direct male line through Storm Cat, and also through Nijinsky and Vice Regent.<ref>{{cite web |title=Experience Justify's pedigree with this video tour of his greatest ancestors |url=https://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses/news/experience-justifys-pedigree-with-this-video-tour-of-his-greatest-ancestors |date=May 31, 2018 |first1=Kellie |last1=Reilly |website=Kentucky Derby |access-date=10 June 2018}}</ref> [[American Pharoah]], winner of the [[Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing (United States)|2015 Triple Crown]] is 5 × 5 inbred to Northern Dancer, through [[Storm Bird]] and [[El Gran Senor]].<ref name="TripleCrownConnections">{{cite web|last1=Hunter|first1=Avalyn|title=Triple Crown Connections|url=http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/106728/triple-crown-connections|website=BloodHorse|access-date=11 July 2016|date=June 26, 2015}}</ref> [[California Chrome]], winner of the [[2014 Kentucky Derby]] and [[2014 Preakness Stakes|Preakness Stakes]], is inbred 4 × 5 to Northern Dancer on his dam's side.<ref name="InbreedingTrends">{{cite web|last1=Peters|first1=Anne|title=Pedigree Analysis: Inbreeding Trends|url=http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/112009/pedigree-analysis-inbreeding-trends|website=BloodHorse|access-date=12 July 2016|date=September 19, 2014}}</ref> Northern Dancer appears at least once in the pedigree of every contestant in the [[2018 Kentucky Derby]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Pedigree fun facts for 2018 Kentucky Derby|url=https://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses/news/pedigree-fun-facts-for-2018-kentucky-derby |date=May 3, 2018 |first1=Kellie |last1=Reilly |website=Kentucky Derby|access-date=4 May 2018}}</ref>

More Northern Dancer-descended horses are [[Breeders' Cup]] winners than from any other horse.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sparkman|first1=John P.|title=Evolution of sire lines seen at Breeders' Cup|url=http://www.drf.com/news/sparkman-evolution-sire-lines-seen-breeders-cup|website=Daily Racing Form |access-date=10 July 2016|date=October 25, 2013}}</ref> According to pedigree consultant John Sparkman, 35 to 40 percent of American [[graded stakes race|graded stakes]] winners of 2013 were male line descendants of Northern Dancer. In Europe and Australia, the percentage is well over 60 per cent.<ref name=TheStar>{{cite web|last1=Lamb|first1=Katie|title=Kentucky Derby: Northern Dancer's impact on horse racing unmatched |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/2014/04/28/kentucky_derby_northern_dancers_impact_on_horse_racing_unmatched.html |website=thestar.com|access-date=4 July 2016|date=April 28, 2014}}</ref>

In Europe, Northern Dancer's bloodline is pervasive.<ref name=Guardian /> Northern Dancer was a four-time Leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland, a feat achieved one time each by his sons [[Be My Guest (horse)|Be My Guest]] and Nijinsky, 14 times by his son Sadler's Wells, two times by his grandson [[Caerleon (horse)|Caerleon]], three times by his grandson [[Danehill (horse)|Danehill]], and twelve times (as of 2021) by his grandson [[Galileo (horse)|Galileo]] – a total of 36 champion sire titles in just the direct Northern Dancer to grandson bloodline. Adding his great-grandsons [[Danehill Dancer]], who was the leading sire in 2009, and Frankel (2021) the Northern Dancer sire line accounted for every champion sire title in Great Britain and Ireland from 1990 to 2021 inclusive.<ref name="GBISires" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Berry |first1=Emma |title=A Champion Sire In GB For First Time In 34 Years |url=https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/a-champion-sire-in-gb-for-first-time-in-34-years/ |website=Thoroughbred Daily News |access-date=11 February 2023 |language=en |date=30 December 2021}}</ref>

He is the paternal grand-sire of a record 29 different English Classic winners — the next closest in this regard is [[St. Simon (horse)|St. Simon]] with 23.<ref name="EnglishClassicSires" /> As for the Epsom Derby, a 2011 study showed that every winner since 1998 had Northern Dancer in his pedigree.<ref name=Donnelly>{{cite web|last1=Donnelly|first1=John|title=Northern Dancer and the Epsom Derby|url=http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/truenicks/archive/2011/06/10/northern-dancer-and-the-epsom-derby.aspx|website=TrueNicks|access-date=10 July 2016|date=June 10, 2011}}</ref> The Northern Dancer sire line has accounted for 28 Derby winners {{as of|2019|lc=on}}. Galileo, [[High Chaparral]], [[Motivator (horse)|Motivator]], [[New Approach]], [[Sea the Stars]], [[Camelot (horse)|Camelot]], [[Australia]], and [[Golden Horn]] are included in this number.<ref name="EpsomDerbyData">{{cite web|title=Epsom Derby Winners|url=http://www.pedigreequery.com/index.php?query_type=stakes&search_bar=stakes&field=view&id=18|website=Thoroughbred Horse Pedigree Query |access-date=7 April 2020}}</ref>

===Inbreeding===
Because of the prevalence of Northern Dancer's bloodline, a certain degree of [[inbreeding]] to him is becoming common.<ref name=DoublingDown /> Whenever this happens, there is a concern that the inbreeding will weaken the breed, making horses more prone to injury and potentially leading to [[inbreeding depression]]. Statistical studies have shown that inbreeding has increased by a small but significant amount in the last 50 years, partly because of the larger number of foals that a successful stallion will now sire each year compared to in the past.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Walker|first1=Matt|title=Wonder Monkey: Are racehorses being bred to destruction?|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/wondermonkey/2011/11/bred-to-destruction.shtml|website=BBC|access-date=9 July 2016|date=November 18, 2011}}</ref> For example, Northern Dancer sired 645 foals<ref name="ACP" /> in 20 years at stud, whereas his grandson Danehill sired 2,499 foals in 14 years at stud.<ref name="Danehill">{{cite web|last1=Sparkman|first1=John P.|title=Pedigree Analysis: American Roots|url=http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/121903/pedigree-analysis-american-roots|website=BloodHorse|access-date=9 July 2016|date=April 9, 2013}}</ref>

[[File:Frankel (horse).jpg|thumb|The undefeated Frankel is inbred to Northern Dancer.]]
Statistical analysis has shown that inbreeding to Northern Dancer is on average slightly ''less'' effective than when stallions of his line are bred to mares who do not have Northern Dancer in their pedigree (referred to as an [[outcross]]).<ref name="DoublingDown">{{cite web|title=Pedigree Analysis: Doubling Down On Danzig|url=http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/106095/pedigree-analysis-doubling-down-on-danzig|website=BloodHorse|access-date=9 July 2016|date=August 17, 2015}}</ref> However, many successful stallions are inbred, in part because this can make it easier to pass on [[dominant gene|dominant]] characteristics. Notable sires that are inbred to Northern Dancer (within four generations) include [[Oasis Dream]], [[Rock of Gibraltar (horse)|Rock of Gibraltar]], [[Hernando (horse)|Hernando]], [[Spinning World]], [[Redoute's Choice]], and [[Frankel (horse)|Frankel]].<ref name="LineBreeding">{{cite web|last1=Porter|first1=Alan|title=Line-breeding to Northern Dancer and Nasrullah in Thoroughbred Stallion Pedigrees|url=http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/truenicks/archive/2008/11/30/line-breeding-to-northern-dancer-and-nasrullah-in-thoroughbred-stallion-pedigrees.aspx|website=TrueNicks|access-date=9 July 2016|date=November 30, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Berry |first1=John |title=Frankel A Rising Star At Stud |url=https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/frankel-a-rising-star-at-stud/ |website=Thoroughbred Daily News {{!}} Horse Racing News, Results and Video {{!}} Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions |access-date=4 July 2021 |language=en |date=28 November 2018}}</ref>

Northern Dancer lines were originally outcrossed on descendants of [[Mr. Prospector]] or [[Nasrullah (horse)|Nasrullah]], but this became so common that it is increasingly difficult to find horses from these lines who do not also carry Northern Dancer breeding.<ref>{{cite web|title=Is Sire-Line Outcrossing Possible Anymore?|url=http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/scot/archive/2008/06/22/is-sire-line-outcrossing-possible-anymore.aspx|website=cs.bloodhorse.com|access-date=9 July 2016|date=June 22, 2008}}</ref> Outcross bloodlines can still be found, most notably through [[Sunday Silence]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=MacDonald |first1=Michele |title=These new elite stallions show how Northern Dancer and Mr Prospector still rule the world |url=https://www.thoroughbredracing.com/articles/these-new-elite-stallions-show-how-northern-dancer-and-mr-prospector-still-rule-world/ |website=Thoroughbred Racing Commentary |access-date=3 August 2019|date=February 16, 2018}}</ref> and the German-bred stallion [[Monsun]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Porter|first1=Alan|title=Monsun Season Underway in Europe|url=http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/truenicks/archive/2013/06/04/monsun-season-underway-in-europe.aspx|website=TrueNicks|access-date=9 July 2016|date=June 4, 2013}}</ref>

In North America, Northern Dancer is farther back in the pedigree of most major sires, decreasing the risks associated with inbreeding. For example, [[Tapit]], the leading sire in North America from 2014 to 2016, is inbred 3 × 5 to [[Nijinsky II]] (thus 4 × 6 to Northern Dancer). He has crossed well with mares from other Northern Dancer lines.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Peters|first1=Anne|title=The Secret to Tapit's Success|url=http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/122501/the-secret-to-tapits-success|website=BloodHorse|access-date=9 July 2016|date=March 12, 2013}}</ref>

==Pedigree==
Northern Dancer was by Nearctic, who in turn was sired by [[Nearco]], an Italian-bred horse who was undefeated in fourteen starts. Retired to stud in England, Nearco was considered a "breed-shaping" sire of sires.<ref name="Nearco">{{cite web|last1=Hunter|first1=Avalyn|title=Nearco (horse)|url=http://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/nearco-ity.html|website=American Classic Pedigrees|access-date=12 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Nearco|url=http://www.bloodlines.net/TB/Bios2/Bios-NO/Nearco.htm|website=www.bloodlines.net|access-date=6 July 2016}}</ref> In 1952, Taylor attended the [[Newmarket Racecourse|Newmarket]] December sale in England, where he purchased [[Lady Angela]], a daughter of leading sire [[Hyperion (horse)|Hyperion]]. In 1953, Taylor had Lady Angela bred to Nearco before shipping her to Canada, where she foaled Nearctic in early 1954. Nearctic was Canadian Horse of the Year in 1958,<ref name="Nearctic">{{cite web|last1=Hunter|first1=Avalyn|title=Nearctic (CAN) |url=http://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/nearctic-can.html|website=American Classic Pedigrees|access-date=12 July 2016}}</ref> a feat that Northern Dancer matched in 1964.<ref name="CHoF" />

Northern Dancer's broodmare sire (maternal grandsire) was Native Dancer, who also was an important sire of sires, chiefly through Raise A Native and Mr. Prospector.<ref>{{cite web |title=Native Dancer (horse) |url=http://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/native-dancer.html |website=American Classic Pedigrees |access-date=20 January 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Northern Dancer was thus an immediate descendant of three of the most important bloodlines of the middle twentieth century (Nearco, Hyperion and Native Dancer).<ref>{{cite web|title=Classic sirelines|url=http://www.sportingpost.co.za/2012/11/classic-sirelines/|website=sportingpost.co.za|access-date=12 July 2016|date=28 November 2012}}</ref>

His female family is equally distinguished, if not as well-known. Northern Dancer's dam [[Natalma]] was a stakes-placed mare who was disqualified from a win in the [[Spinaway Stakes]]. She developed a knee chip in June 1960 and Taylor decided to breed her to Nearctic in his first year at stud rather than keep her in training. Northern Dancer, a late foal on May 27, 1961, was the result. Natalma established herself as a "[[Glossary of North American horse racing#B|blue hen]]", producing not only Northern Dancer but three other stakes winners. Her daughters have further extended the family: Arctic Dancer, a full sister of Northern Dancer, became the dam of [[La Prevoyante]], 1972 Canadian Horse of the Year; Spring Adieu became the second dam of leading international sire Danehill (who is inbred to Natalma as he is also a grandson of Northern Dancer); and Raise the Standard is the granddam of important European sire [[Machiavellian (horse)|Machiavellian]].<ref name="ACP" /><ref name=Almahmoud>{{cite web|last1=Hunter|first1=Avalyn|title=Pedigree Analysis: Almahmoud|url=http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/207089/pedigree-analysis-almahmoud |date=January 22, 2016 |website=BloodHorse|access-date=5 July 2016}}</ref>

Natalma's dam [[Almahmoud]] produced several other influential daughters including Cosmah, who produced four stakes winners including [[Tosmah]] (three-time American champion filly) and [[Halo (horse)|Halo]], who would go on to sire Sunday Silence. Another daughter of Almahmoud, Bubbling Beauty, produced [[Arctic Tern (horse)|Arctic Tern]], the French champion sire of 1986.<ref name=ACP /><ref name=Almahmoud />

{{Pedigree
|name = Northern Dancer (CAN), bay stallion, 1961<ref name=Equineline>{{cite web|title=Northern Dancer Pedigree|url=http://www.equineline.com/Free-5X-Pedigree.cfm/Northern%20Dancer?page_state=DISPLAY_REPORT&reference_number=352363&registry=T&horse_name=Northern%20Dancer&dam_name=Natalma&foaling_year=1961&include_sire_line=Y|website=www.equineline.com|access-date=3 July 2016}}</ref>
|f = [[Nearctic (horse)|Nearctic]] (CAN)<br />Br/bl. 1954
|m = [[Natalma]] (USA)<br />B. 1957
|ff = [[Nearco]] (ITY)<br />Br. 1935
|fm = [[Lady Angela]] (GB)<br />ch. 1944
|mf = [[Native Dancer]]<br />gr. 1950
|mm = [[Almahmoud]]<br />ch. 1947
|fff = [[Pharos (horse)|Pharos]] (GB)
|ffm = Nogara (ITY)
|fmf = [[Hyperion (horse)|Hyperion]] (GB)
|fmm = Sister Sarah (GB)
|mff = [[Polynesian (horse)|Polynesian]]
|mfm = Geisha
|mmf = [[Mahmoud (horse)|Mahmoud]] (FR)
|mmm = Arbitrator
|ffff = [[Phalaris (horse)|Phalaris]] (GB)
|fffm = Scapa Flow (GB)
|ffmf = Havresac II (FR)
|ffmm = Catnip (IRE) 
|fmff = [[Gainsborough (horse)|Gainsborough]] (GB)
|fmfm = Selene (GB)
|fmmf = Abbots Trace (IRE)
|fmmm = Sarita (GB)
|mfff = [[Unbreakable (horse)|Unbreakable]]
|mffm = Black Polly 
|mfmf = [[Discovery (horse)|Discovery]]|
mfmm = Miyako 
|mmff = [[Blenheim (horse)|Blenheim]] (GB)
|mmfm = Mah Mahal (GB) 
|mmmf = [[Peace Chance]]
|mmmm = [[Mother Goose (horse)|Mother Goose]] ([[Thoroughbred breeding theories#Bruce Lowe families|Family 2-d]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Thoroughbred Bloodlines – Emma – Family 2-d |url=http://www.bloodlines.net/TB/Families/Family2d.htm |website=www.bloodlines.net |access-date=20 January 2020}}</ref>)
|}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Horses|Sports}}
* [[List of racehorses]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Sources==
* {{cite book|last1=Lennox|first1=Muriel|title=Northern Dancer : legend and legacy|date=1995|publisher=Beach House Books|location=Toronto|isbn=0-9699025-0-6}}
* {{cite book |last1=Hunter |first1=Avalyn |title=The Kingmaker : how Northern Dancer founded a racing dynasty |year=2006 |publisher=Eclipse Press |isbn=1-58150-137-4 |edition=1st}}

==Further reading==
<!--works not currently used in citations-->
*{{cite book|last1=Arsenault|first1=Debbie Gamble|title=Great Canadian race horses|date=2005|publisher=Altitude Pub.|location=Calgary|isbn=1-55439-000-1}}
*{{cite book |last1=Joyce |first1=Gare |title=Northern Dancer : king of the racetrack |year=2012 |publisher=Fitzhenry & Whiteside |isbn=978-1554551637}}

==External links==
* [https://www.kentuckyderby.com/history/year/1964 Northern Dancer's Kentucky Derby]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ds7Hjd7PRs The Canadians: Northern Dancer video biography by Historica Canada]
* [http://jjreeves.net/career.php?search=3104 Northern Dancer's offspring at the Triple Crown database by Kathleen Irwin and Joy Reeves] 
* [http://www.windfieldsfarmnewsandnotes.com/the-horses.html Windfield Farms news and notes (partial archives)]
* [https://www.pastthewire.com/stallion-dynasties-northern-dancer/ Northern Dancer — Stallion Dynasties]
*[https://people.com/archive/cover-story-how-hard-do-they-work-vol-23-no-3/ Northern Dancer – ''People'' magazine (1985)] ("On some days he can earn $1 million—before lunch" is repeatedly misquoted, including [http://www.kentucky.com/sports/horses/kentucky-derby/article44487018.html ''Lexington Herald Leader'' (2014)], [https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/11/the-joy-of-six-sporting-family-ties ''The Guardian'' (2016)], [https://www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/2017-northern-dancer-the-patriarch-stallion ''The Sport'' (2017)].)

{{Kentucky Derby Winners}}
{{Preakness Stakes Winners}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Racehorses bred in Ontario]]
[[Category:Racehorses trained in Canada]]
[[Category:Racehorses trained in the United States]]
[[Category:King's Plate winners]]
[[Category:Kentucky Derby winners]]
[[Category:Preakness Stakes winners]]
[[Category:Eclipse Award winners]]
[[Category:Canadian Champion racehorses]]
[[Category:Canadian Thoroughbred Horse of the Year]]
[[Category:United States Champion Thoroughbred Sires]]
[[Category:American Champion Thoroughbred broodmare sires]]
[[Category:British Champion Thoroughbred Sires]]
[[Category:Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:United States Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:Horse monuments]]
[[Category:1961 racehorse births]]
[[Category:1990 racehorse deaths]]
[[Category:Thoroughbred family 2-d]]
[[Category:Chefs-de-Race]]
[[Category:Horse racing track record setters]]