Pedigree Northern Dancer was by Nearctic, who in turn was sired by Nearco, an Italian-bred horse who was undefeated in fourteen starts. Retired to stud in England, Nearco was considered a "breed-shaping" sire of sires. In 1952, Taylor attended the Newmarket December sale in England, where he purchased Lady Angela, a daughter of leading sire Hyperion. In 1953, Taylor had Lady Angela bred to Nearco before shipping her to Canada, where she foaled Nearctic in early 1954. Nearctic was Canadian Horse of the Year in 1958, a feat that Northern Dancer matched in 1964.
pedigree northern dancer was by nearctic who in turn was sired by nearco an italian-bred horse who was undefeated in fourteen starts retired to stud in england nearco was considered a "breed-shaping" sire of sires in 1952 taylor attended the newmarket december sale in england where he purchased lady angela a daughter of leading sire hyperion in 1953 taylor had lady angela bred to nearco before shipping her to canada where she foaled nearctic in early 1954 nearctic was canadian horse of the year in 1958 a feat that northern dancer matched in 1964