Remembering Touch Gold: Belmont Stakes Champion and Beloved Thoroughbred Passes at Age 31
The horse racing world feels deep loss. Touch Gold won the 1997 Belmont Stakes (G1). He was 31. He was put down because his body grew weak. Touch Gold lived at Old Friends in Georgetown, Kentucky, from 2015. He spent his last days there with kind care.
John Nicholson, President and CEO of Old Friends, said, "Saying goodbye to Touch Gold is hard for everyone. This old racehorse touched our lives for many years. It shows he loved his time at Old Friends and the kind care he got. Touch Gold was one of the best in a great age for our sport. We miss him each day."
A Career Marked by Grit and Glory
Touch Gold started racing with Frank Stronach and coach David Hofmans. In 1997, as a 3-year-old, he proved his strength. He won his first race at Santa Anita by four lengths. He then won the Lexington Stakes (G2) by 8 ½ lengths.
His Triple Crown story mixed hard work and tense moments. He finished fourth in the Preakness Stakes (G1) and then won the Belmont Stakes (G1) by three-quarters of a length over Silver Charm. That race stopped Silver Charm from winning the Triple Crown. A few weeks later, he won the Haskell Invitational (G1), proving his skill again.
In all, Touch Gold won 6 of 15 races and finished well in 4 more. He earned close to $1.7 million. He then had a new role as a breeding stallion at Adena Springs Farms. He sired 29 stakes winners and 67 stakes performers, including 4 Grade 1 winners. His son, Seek Gold, now lives at Old Friends. This work shows his long-lasting mark on the sport.
Tributes to a Champion
Chris McCarron, the Hall of Fame jockey who rode him at Belmont, said, "Touch Gold was a top racehorse! He ran with great speed and heart. I was glad when he came to Old Friends. I could visit him and feel thanks for the thrills he gave me. I miss him."
Eric Hamelback, former General Manager of Adena Springs, shared his thoughts. "Touch Gold now marks the end of an era. His memory will live on in our hearts. I recall how tough he was, both on the track and at stud. He was smart, set in his ways, and full of heart. His calm strength left a mark on all of us. Knowing him was one of the best gifts I have had. He was more than a champion. He helped teach us about brave effort and true grit. Touch Gold gave all he had, and we are better for it. Rest well, my friend."
Honoring a Storied Life
The decision to end Touch Gold’s life closes an important chapter in racing. His journey from a young colt to a race winner and top sire shows the power of one horse. His last years at Old Friends let fans and caretakers celebrate his past on the track. His story lives on in many hearts across our sport.
As we say farewell to Touch Gold, his work lives on in the great winners he helped shape and in the memories he gave us. His life shows what one great horse can do on and off the track.
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📝 About This Article
This article was generated by Hivebox AI in collaboration with AuCan Gold.
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