Native Dancer: The Grey Ghost: Hero of a Golden Age

by John Eisenberg

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In the early 1950s, a rising star flickered across millions of black-and-white TV sets. Nick-named 'The Grey Ghost,' Native Dancer was a blue-blood thoroughbred with a taste for drama, courtesy of his come-from-behind running style, and impressive credits: He finished first in 21 of his 22 career starts, his only loss by a nose in the 1953 Kentucky Derby; was named Horse of the Year-twice; and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame. His popularity was so great, Time® magazine put him on its cover, and TV Guide named him one of America's top three TV stars, along with Ed Sullivan and Arthur Godfrey. Legend says his ghost haunts Churchill Downs. Set against the nostalgic events of an America long past, NATIVE DANCER is the definitive account of one of the greatest champions of horse racing's golden age.… (more)

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Love this book about my favorite racehorse.

mateideyr | Jul 17, 2015 |

Very enjoyable biography of Native Dancer, and also his owner, Alfred Vanderbilt. Having been born decades after Native Dancer's races, I only knew of him as a famous horse of the past, so this book really educated me on why he is remembered as one of the best Thoroughbreds of the twentieth century. My only complaint about the book is that the writing style is not to my taste, and sometimes things are explained twice in the same chapter while other information is not explained at all. (

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Pferdina | Nov 3, 2013 |

I am a fan of race horses and horse stories. After reading Seabiscuit, I wanted to read about other famous race horses. This is not only a good story in it's own right, but the influence of this animal in today's racing is remarkable. Definitely worth the read. (

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kyragtopgirl | Jan 12, 2012 |

I just loved this book. No surprise since I am a big fan of Thoroughbred racing, especially the classics. And, I usually like books and articles that successfully capture the flavor and nuances of the politics, sports and doings of society in "the Dancer's" era. In addition to all the insider racing history, the author gives us a well-detailed look at dancer's owner, Alfred Vanderbilt. (

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thejazzmonger | Dec 7, 2011 |

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The train pulled into Cincinnati's Union Station early one morning in late April 1953.

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Eric Guerin

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In the early 1950s, a rising star flickered across millions of black-and-white TV sets. Nick-named 'The Grey Ghost,' Native Dancer was a blue-blood thoroughbred with a taste for drama, courtesy of his come-from-behind running style, and impressive credits: He finished first in 21 of his 22 career starts, his only loss by a nose in the 1953 Kentucky Derby; was named Horse of the Year-twice; and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame. His popularity was so great, Time® magazine put him on its cover, and TV Guide named him one of America's top three TV stars, along with Ed Sullivan and Arthur Godfrey. Legend says his ghost haunts Churchill Downs. Set against the nostalgic events of an America long past, NATIVE DANCER is the definitive account of one of the greatest champions of horse racing's golden age.

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