By Ryan Goldberg/Special to ProPublica
Today at least 95 percent of American racehorses have the drug in their system when they leave the starting gate. Is this horse in this race the reason why?
Fifty years after the 1964 Kentucky Derby, revisiting the race and its implications for drugs in the Sport of Kings.
On looks alone, Northern Dancer did not stand out as he entered the starting gate for the 90th running of the Kentucky Derby in 1964. He was the small bay colt from Canada nobody had wanted to buy as a youngster. He had sore feet and a volatile temperament. Still, as he filed into Post 7 and the crowd of 100,000 got to its feet, Northern Dancer was the second betting choice. Churchill Downs anticipated a classic.
Once the gates opened, a horse named Mr. Brick charged to the front, and the pace was quick early on. Mr. Brick was followed by Royal Shuck, Wil Rad and The Scoundrel, who slightly bumped the betting favorite, Hill Rise.
Jockey Bill Hartack, with three Derby wins in his career, later recalled that he had a snug hold on Northern Dancer. He dropped him to the rail where he could save ground.
Posted on May 3, 2014