Touch Gold, winner of the Belmont Stakes and a contender in the 1998 Breeders’ Cup Classic, has died at 31

The Deputy Minister son had been living in retirement at Old Friends in Kentucky, where he was humanely euthanized due to complications associated with advanced age

Touch Gold at Old Friends, where he spent a happy decade in retirement / OLD FRIENDS

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special to Turf Diario)—U.S. racing bid farewell over the weekend to one of the most recognizable names of the 1990s. Touch Gold (Deputy Minister), the 1997 GI Belmont Stakes winner, was euthanized at age 31 at Old Friends in Georgetown, Kentucky, where he had lived since 2015. The decision came as the result of the inevitable ailments associated with advanced age.

“Saying goodbye to Touch Gold is incredibly difficult for everyone at Old Friends. This tough old horse was a very special part of our lives for many years,” said John Nicholson, president and CEO of the organization. “He loved his life here—he enjoyed every visit and all the attention he received. He was one of the best during a brilliant era for our sport. We will miss him every single day.”

Bred and owned by Frank Stronach, Touch Gold showed talent from the outset. Trained by David Hofmans, he launched his Classic campaign with a 4-length romp at Santa Anita before taking a major step forward with an 8 1/2-length demolition in the GII Lexington Stakes. From then on, Stronach campaigned him in partnership with Stonerside Stable.

His Triple Crown run was intense and unforgettable. After a compromised break left him fourth in the GI Preakness S., Touch Gold wrote his name into racing history when he famously spoiled Silver Charm’s (Silver Buck) Triple Crown bid in the Belmont, defeating him by three-quarters of a length in a finish now etched in time. Ironically, the two would later share a paddock at Old Friends.

Far from a fluke, Touch Gold returned to annex the GI Haskell Invitational in his next start. He retired with 6 wins from 15 starts, four additional placings, and earnings of $1,679,907, closing out his career in 1998 under Pat Byrne.

Retired to Adena Springs, Touch Gold forged a solid record at stud and as a broodmare sire. He produced 29 black-type winners and 67 stakes performers, including four Grade I winners. Among them was Seek Gold, another Old Friends retiree.

His Belmont-winning jockey Chris McCarron offered a heartfelt tribute: “Touch Gold was a sensational horse—talented, courageous, and with a tremendous will to win. I was thrilled when he arrived at Old Friends because it meant I could visit him and thank him for all the joy he gave me. I’ll miss him.”

Eric Hamelback, former general manager of Adena Springs, added: “His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on with everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was strong, intelligent, and full of heart. To me he was more than a champion—he was a true teacher, a constant reminder of the Thoroughbred’s spirit.”

Touch Gold enjoyed a long life, surrounded by care and affection in a place that became home for nearly a decade. His story blends talent, heart, and the touch of drama that defines great horses. His Belmont triumph remains one of modern racing’s most stirring moments—his legacy, a lasting imprint time will not erase.