No one wanted to buy Northern Dancer at his yearling sale in 1962. He was small, little bigger than the average pony, and had a willful, unpredictable nature. But E.P. Taylor, beer baron and Canada's first great entrepreneur, recognized a kindred spirit. He took on the little horse and helped him become a "great Canadian." This is the first time an animal has ever been profiled on Life and Times, fitting for this "Canadian" who broke so many records and inspired a nation to name him 1964 Canadian Athlete of the Year, over such competition as Gordie Howe and George Chuvalo.
See rare archival footage of Northern Dancer and EP Taylor at Windfields Farm in the 1960s and 70s and listen to the legendary jockey Ron Turcotte reflect on the infamous and controversial race that forced Northern Dancer's retirement. See what racetracks were like at the turn of the century and get a behind the scenes glimpse into what happens at the backstretch, before a horse can claim his winner's roses. Hear E.P. Taylor's daughter, Judith Mappin, describe the world of Canadian racing when it was in its infancy, her mother's love of Northern Dancer and her father's canny decision not to geld his favourite horse, no matter how difficult he was to handle.
Northern Dancer became the greatest sire of the 20th century after he stopped racing. He sired 146 stakes winners, among them Nijinsky, The Minstrel, Nureyev, El Gran Senor, Secreto, etc. Even Smarty Jones, winner of the 2004 Kentucky Derby is a great great grandson. No other horse on the planet has had such an influence on racing bloodlines. In 1982, a French syndicate offered $40 million for Northern Dancer, but they were turned down. This patriarch of the modern thoroughbred would remain Canadian.
Viewers will witness the beauty of a creature born to run and experience the excitement of a younger nation swept up in the thrill of creating its own myths. Canada was a place that saw itself as a workhorse, not a thoroughbred, until Northern Dancer raced his way into our hearts. This Life and Times profiles the fleet creature that taught Canadians to think of themselves as a nation that produces not only winners but also legends.
The Life and Times of Northern Dancer is produced and directed by Halya Kuchmij, written by Kim Echlin, narrated by Teresa Tova. Series Producer Linda Laughlin. Executive producer Marie Natanson.
