rread1 cut and paste: In the early 1950s, a horse stepped onto the racetrack with silver skin that shimmered like a storm cloud and a stride as smooth as...cut and paste: In the early 1950s, a horse stepped onto the racetrack with silver skin that shimmered like a storm cloud and a stride as smooth as jazz. His name was Native Dancer, and though he raced in black and white TV days, he lit up the sport in full color.

He wasn't just a racehorse—he was a revolution in motion.

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Born for the Spotlight

Native Dancer was foaled in 1950, bred by Alfred G. Vanderbilt II—a name already soaked in racing royalty. From the start, Native Dancer was different. Big, powerful, and nearly white in appearance, he earned the nickname “The Grey Ghost of Sagamore.”

But it wasn’t just his color that turned heads.
It was the way he moved—fluid, balanced, almost otherworldly.
He didn’t run. He glided.

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A Star in the Television Era

He debuted in 1952, and television had just started to broadcast live racing. The cameras loved him. So did the fans. Native Dancer won all 9 of his starts as a two-year-old, becoming the first true television racing star.

He wasn’t just winning—he was dominating, coming from behind with a late burst that became his signature. He was cool, collected, and deadly down the stretch. Viewers didn’t just root for him—they expected the magic.

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The One That Got Away

In 1953, Native Dancer seemed invincible. He won the Wood Memorial, then took the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes.

But in the Kentucky Derby—on a day filled with bumping, jostling, and tight spaces—he lost by a nose to a horse named Dark Star. It was the only loss of his 22-race career.

That moment became racing lore: if not for a troubled trip, Native Dancer may well have been the second-ever U.S. Triple Crown winner.

Instead, he became something rarer: a near-perfect legend that sparked debate and admiration for decades.

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The Architect of Champions

After retiring, Native Dancer didn’t fade away—he reshaped the sport from behind the scenes. As a sire, he passed on his brilliance to generations of champions.

His most famous descendant?
A little horse named Mr. Prospector, who fathered Fappiano, Kingmambo, and many others.

His blood flows through American Pharoah, Curlin, Flightline, and most modern champions. It’s no exaggeration to say that Native Dancer is in the DNA of today’s racing—literally and spiritually.

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Fun Facts About Native Dancer:

He won 21 of 22 races—a win percentage of 95.45%.

He was named Horse of the Year twice (1952 and 1954).

He graced the cover of Time Magazine in 1954—one of the few racehorses to ever do so.

He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1963.

He sired Raise a Native, one of the most influential sires of the 20th century.

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The Legacy Lives On

Though Native Dancer left this world in 1967, his legacy gallops forward. Every time a powerful grey steps onto the track, eyes scan for that same spark, that same balance, that same flash of ghostly brilliance.

He was more than a racehorse—he was a movement, a turning point, and a symbol of perfection that still haunts the imagination of racing lovers.

Native Dancer: the ghost who never really left the track. Show more 3 months ago

Dotheloop Thanks,rread1...great article! 3 months ago

WIN METHOD Always love stories of success, Native Dancer was one of first truly great horses I have seen in my life. 3 months ago

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Joey Zasa Netsfan3 did you pick on vwvwvwvw in high school? Oh I forgot vwvwvwvw is only 29. A 29 year old who plays golf and has a psychologist friend and...Netsfan3 did you pick on vwvwvwvw in high school? Oh I forgot vwvwvwvw is only 29. A 29 year old who plays golf and has a psychologist friend and just came home from a group gathering. For a 29 year old kind of sounds like a dork. Show more 3 months ago

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Joey Zasa I just dont like bullies. What that has to with rread is beyond me? 3 months ago

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Joey Zasa We are both new to this message board. I had no idea about him doxxing rread. How do you know all this stuff that happened years ago? 3 months ago

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Joey Zasa figure of speech. If you think that I am someone from this message board on a different account you are in for a big disappointment. 3 months ago

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Joey Zasa time will tell. big disappointment like i said. 3 months ago

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rread1 VW, Joey contacted me to inform me that he would be sending a Rolls-Royce Spur II Stretch Limousine to pick me up for dinner at Brooklyn’s Gage &...VW, Joey contacted me to inform me that he would be sending a Rolls-Royce Spur II Stretch Limousine to pick me up for dinner at Brooklyn’s Gage & Tollner or Fandi Mata—my choice.

This may not be directly related to the main topic, but why do you keep mentioning my name in your posts? Show more 3 months ago

rread1 VW, I have to ask: you weren't with Cody Balmer this weekend, were you? 3 months ago

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rread1 Just keeping it light.

I believe I spotted one of the newer message board members at this xxxxx rally for Mensa International members. The reveal...Just keeping it light.

I believe I spotted one of the newer message board members at this xxxxx rally for Mensa International members. The reveal is, with certainty, the genius wearing the God, Guns, and xxxxx t-shirt. VW, how much did that t-shirt set you back? Have mercy.

bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/santafenewmex… Show more 3 months ago

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