Few horses throughout history shine as brightly as Nijinsky. This magnificent bay colt, would go on to become one of the most celebrated racehorses of the 20th century.
Foaled on February 21, 1967, at E. P. Taylor's Windfields Farm in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, Nijinsky's journey to an Irish-trained champion is a tale of extraordinary talent.
His crowning achievement came in 1970 when he became the first horse in 35 years to win the English Triple Crown, a feat that remains unmatched to this day.
This is the remarkable story of Nijinsky, his origins, his racing career, the Triple Crown and the legacy he left behind both on and off the track.
Early days
Nijinsky's pedigree was nothing short of impressive. He was sired by Northern Dancer, the 1964 Kentucky Derby winner who would go on to become one of the most influential sires of the 20th century.
His dam, Flaming Page, was a successful race mare in her own right, having won the prestigious Queen's Plate in 1962.
This combination of speed and stamina in his bloodline would prove to be a formidable asset throughout Nijinsky's racing career.
The young colt's potential was recognised early on by Charles Engelhard Jr., an American minerals magnate and industrialist.
At the Windfields Farm's annual yearling auction, Engelhard purchased Nijinsky for $84,000 (equivalent to $740,000 in 2023), acting on the advice of renowned Irish trainer Vincent O'Brien.
It was Engelhard's wife, Jane, who suggested naming the colt after the famous Russian ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky, a decision that would prove fitting for a horse destined to dance his way into racing history.
Following his purchase, Nijinsky was shipped to Ireland to begin his training under the expert guidance of Vincent O'Brien at Ballydoyle, County Tipperary.
O'Brien, already a legendary figure in the racing world, would play a crucial role in shaping Nijinsky into the champion he would become.
Racing Career
Nijinsky's racing career began in spectacular fashion. As a two-year-old in 1969, he was unbeaten in five races, establishing himself as the outstanding juvenile in Europe.
His first four races were all at the Curragh in Ireland, where he won the Erne maiden race, the Anglesey Stakes, the Railway Stakes, and the Beresford Stakes.
In October of that year, Nijinsky made his first appearance in England, contesting the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
It was in this race that he was first paired with jockey Lester Piggott, forming a partnership that would become one of the most celebrated in racing history.
The English Triple Crown
The English Triple Crown, a series of three prestigious races for three-year-old horses, consists of the 2000 Guineas Stakes, the Epsom Derby, and the St. Leger Stakes.
Winning all three races is considered one of the greatest achievements in thoroughbred racing, requiring a horse to demonstrate exceptional speed, stamina, and versatility.
As Nijinsky entered his three-year-old season in 1970, expectations were high. He began the year by winning the Gladness Stakes at the Curragh, followed by a victory in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury. These wins set the stage for his attempt at the Triple Crown.
The first leg of the Triple Crown, the 2000 Guineas Stakes, took place at Newmarket on May 2, 1970.
Nijinsky, ridden by Lester Piggott, won the one-mile race convincingly, defeating his closest rival by two and a half lengths.
This victory not only secured the first jewel of the Triple Crown but also demonstrated Nijinsky's ability to compete at the highest level.
Just over a month later, on June 3, Nijinsky faced his next challenge in the Epsom Derby.
The second leg, the Epsom Derby, run over a distance of one and a half miles, is often considered the most prestigious of the three Triple Crown races.
Once again, Nijinsky and Piggott proved unstoppable, winning by two and a half lengths and cementing their status as the dominant force in European racing.
With two legs of the Triple Crown secured, Nijinsky's connections faced a dilemma.
The final leg, the St. Leger Stakes, was still two months away, and there was a temptation to race Nijinsky in other prestigious events in the meantime.
They decided to enter him in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July, where he faced older horses for the first time.
Nijinsky rose to the challenge, winning the race and further enhancing his reputation.
As the St. Leger approached, anticipation built. The race, run over a distance of one mile, six furlongs, and 132 yards, would test Nijinsky's stamina to its limit.
On September 12, 1970, at Doncaster Racecourse, Nijinsky lined up for his date with destiny.
Despite concerns about the extended distance, Nijinsky and Piggott delivered a masterful performance, winning the race by one length and securing the Triple Crown.
Nijinsky's Triple Crown victory was a momentous occasion in racing history.
He became the first horse since Bahram in 1935 to achieve this feat, and as of 2023, remains the last horse to do so.
However, Nijinsky's career was not without its challenges.
Illness & Retirement
Following his St. Leger victory, he developed a condition known as ringworm, a fungal infection that affects the skin.
This illness forced him to miss training and disrupted his preparation for his next race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Despite not being in peak condition, Nijinsky was entered in the Arc, Europe's most prestigious all-aged race.
In a dramatic finish, he was narrowly defeated by Sassafras, ending his unbeaten run. Many attributed this loss to the effects of his illness and the strain of his long season.
Nijinsky's final race came two weeks later in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket.
Still not at his best, he finished second to Lorenzaccio, bringing his racing career to a close.
Despite these two defeats, Nijinsky's overall record remained exceptional, with 11 wins from 13 starts.
Following his retirement from racing, Nijinsky began a highly successful career as a stallion.
Nijinsky Children
Nijinsky stood at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky, where he sired numerous champions and influential broodmares.
Among his most notable offspring were Ferdinand, winner of the 1986 Kentucky Derby and 1987 Breeders' Cup Classic, and Shahrastani, who won the Epsom Derby in 1986.
Nijinsky's influence extended far beyond his immediate progeny. He became a leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland and was twice named the leading broodmare sire in North America.
His descendants continue to make their mark in racing and breeding to this day, with many top-class horses tracing their lineage back to this extraordinary champion.
How Did Nijinsky Die?
Sadly, in his later years, Nijinsky began to suffer from chronic health issues, including arthritis and laminitis.
On April 15, 1992, at the age of 25, the decision was made to humanely euthanise him.
In a final tribute to his greatness, Nijinsky was buried whole at Claiborne Farm, an honour reserved for only a select few horses.
Nijinsky's story is one of exceptional talent, determination, and lasting impact.
From his early days as a promising yearling to his historic Triple Crown victory and his influential career at stud, Nijinsky left an indelible mark on the world of horse racing.
His achievements on the track, particularly his Triple Crown triumph, stand as a testament to his extraordinary ability and the skill of those who guided his career.
Even decades after his final race, Nijinsky's legacy continues to influence the sport, with his bloodlines sought after by breeders around the world.
As the last winner of the English Triple Crown, Nijinsky holds a special place in racing history, a true legend whose story continues to captivate and inspire racing enthusiasts to this day.
