Picture: Previous Buddy / Laura Battles
contact goldThe 1997 Belmont Stakes winner was euthanized at age 31 as a consequence of outdated age, Previous Mates, a thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Kentucky, reported Thursday. The 2-time G1 winner had resided at Previous Mates since 2015.
“It’s with nice unhappiness that we are saying goodbye to Contact Gold for everybody at Previous Mates,” mentioned John Nicholson, President and CEO of Previous Mates. “This powerful outdated racehorse was a particular a part of our lives for a few years. It was clear that he cherished life at Previous Mates and loved all the eye he acquired. Touchgold was probably the greatest horses of an ideal period for our sport, and we’ll miss him day by day.”
Extensively considered probably the greatest three-year-old horses of all time, Touchgold was one in all proprietor Frank Stronach’s mainstays within the division in 1997. Coach David Hoffmans began the season with the colt within the Santa Anita allowance race, the place he simply gained by 4 lengths. He confirmed much more expertise in his subsequent begin, Grade 2 Lexington, successful simply by 8 1/2 lengths.
Within the memorable Triple Crown collection, Contact Gold completed 4th in his subsequent begin, the Preakness Stakes. However that uncommon off-the-board end was shortly forgotten at Belmont Race Course when he ended up taking part in triple crown spoiler to Silver Attraction, who was subsequent to him within the paddock, for a three-quarter size victory. Displaying that it wasn’t a fluke victory, he bounced again after one begin to win the Haskell Invitational (G1).
In complete, Contact Gold gained six of his 15 races, completed within the prime three the opposite 4 instances, and earned $1,679,907 in prize cash. After retiring from racing as a stallion and broodmare stallion, he grew to become an influential stallion for Stronach’s Adena Springs Farm. His 29 stakes wins and 67 stakes appearances embody 4 Group 1 winners, together with fellow Previous Mates resident Sheik Gold.
Corridor of Fame jockey and Belmont Stakes companion Chris McCarron mentioned: “Contact Gold was an ideal racehorse. Along with expertise, he confirmed nice braveness and the need to win. I used to be so excited and blissful after I joined the Thoroughbred ranks, and it gave me the chance to go to him, and I used to be grateful for all of the thrills he gave me. I’ll miss him.
“Contact Gold’s loss of life marks the top of an period, however his legacy will reside ceaselessly within the hearts of these like me who had been lucky to know him,” former Adena Springs basic supervisor Eric Hamelbach mentioned in a press release. I bear in mind Contact Gold as being as powerful as ever, each on the races and within the manufacturing shed. His power of character and quiet presence left an enduring impression on everybody who labored with him. “He has been one of many nice privileges of my profession and my life. Not solely is he a champion, he’s additionally a trainer in his personal proper. He has reminded us of the braveness, resilience and coronary heart that Contact Gold has given us. We’re all energized to know such an ideal horse.”
