Book title: Native Dancer: The Grey Ghost Hero of a Golden Age
Author: John Eisenberg
Publisher: Warner Books
ISBN: 9780446530705
Native Dancer, nicknamed “The Grey Ghost”, was one of the biggest stars of horse racing in the 1950s. Famous for his striking grey coat and incredible record of 21 wins from 22 starts, he became a household name at a time when television was bringing sport into people’s living rooms.
In “Native Dancer: The Grey Ghost Hero of a Golden Age”, John Eisenberg tells the story of this extraordinary horse while giving readers a picture of what racing — and America — looked like in the years after the Second World War.
The book is at its best when describing the races themselves. Eisenberg captures the excitement of the track — the hush before the starting gate opened, the rush of hooves, and the roar of the crowd as Native Dancer powered ahead. Alongside the horse, he introduces the people who helped shape his career: owner Alfred Vanderbilt Jr., jockey Eric Guerin, and trainer Bill Winfrey. Together they turned Native Dancer into not just a winner, but a legend.
The most dramatic part of the book is Native Dancer’s one and only defeat — the 1953 Kentucky Derby. Eisenberg carefully builds up the tension of the race, showing how a poor start and bad luck forced the colt to run wide. He lost by a head to Dark Star, and many blamed Guerin’s riding decisions.
For fans, the defeat was heartbreaking, especially as it ended hopes of a Triple Crown. Yet instead of damaging his reputation, the loss made Native Dancer even more loved. People admired him not just for his victories but for his resilience.
Eisenberg also explains how television helped turn Native Dancer into a national hero. Millions who had never been to a racetrack could now watch him run from their homes. He became more than just a racehorse; he was a symbol of the sport’s golden age, and his influence carried on long after his career ended. His bloodlines shaped generations of thoroughbreds, showing just how lasting his impact was.
Eisenberg’s research is impressive, and his writing is lively and full of detail. At times, the book wanders into too much background, but the main story — of a brilliant horse, his team, and the age he defined — holds it together.
For anyone who enjoys racing history, or simply stories about champions who captured the public’s imagination, Native Dancer is an enjoyable and rewarding read.
