1967 - 1992
Northern Dancer- Flaming Page
Owner: Charles W Englehard. Trainer: Vincent O'Brien
Nijinsky was one the greatest racehorses of the 20th Century and will always be remembered as a winner of the 'Triple Crown'. He was a top two year old winning 4 races including the Dewhurst.. There was huge expectation before the 2000 Guineas which he won comfortably and afterwards he became a hot favourite for the Derby. Nijinsky won the race in the fastest time since 1935 beating the French horse Gyr, previously considered 'unbeatable'.
Nijinsky went on to win the Irish Derby with ease before the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in which he was possibly at his peak and which he won by 6 lengths 'on the bridle' beating another Derby Winner, Blakeney, in the process with jockey Lester Piggott barely allowing him to exert himself.. It was then decided that the horse should attempt to win the elusive Triple Crown of English Classic races and he duly contested, and won, the St Leger over Doncaster's demanding mile and three quarters..Njinsky had suffered a debilitating attack of ringworm during his preparation for his autumn campaign and he was certainly not at his best for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Beforehand he was sweating badly and very upset by the atmosphere.Lester Piggott gave him a lot to do and in the end he was beaten a short head by the French Derby winner Sassafras which in the circumstances was probably a remarkable performance. He was also beaten in to second in the Champion Stakes at the end of a long season running at Group I level. Nijinsky retired to stud in the USA and became a leading and most influential stallion siring 155 stakes/Group winners.
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