Horse-Canada Book Stall

The KingMaker: How Northern Dancer Founded a Racing Dynasty, by Avalyn Hunter. 254pp. EP. Taylor wanted to prove to the world that his native Canada could produce Thoroughbred racehorses as good as any. The Toronto industrialist backed up his belief by offering his own yearling for sale. So he couldn’t have been happy when buyers in 1962 rejected a small bay colt from his Windfields Farm consignment. But Taylor ultimately would have the satisfaction of breeding, then racing the horse that would transform the international bloodstock market. Named Northern Dancer, the sales reject proved his worth by winning the 1964 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes for Taylor. In doing so, he became a Canadian hero. And that was only the beginning. As a stallion, the diminutive Northern Dancer exerted a legendary influence on the breed, at one time commanding a million-dollar stud fee. International competition for his off spring created world records in the auction ring. Respected pedigree authority Avalyn Hunter tells the compelling story of the fiery colt who towered over his peers and the humans who played supporting roles: legendary trainer Horatio Luro, jockeys Ron Turrcotte and Bill Hartack and Taylor himself. Hunter also chronicles Northern Dancer’s ascendancy as the world’s most coveted stallion and the dynasty he established through his sons.