Bold Ruler | Horse Profile

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Bold Ruler

Bold Ruler was born into one of the best foal crops in U.S. history – the 1954 crop that included Gallant Man, Round Table, Gen. Duke, and Iron Liege. Fortunately, he was blessed with a competitive spirit that nurtured the incredible talents he was born with.

Beginning his career as a juvenile in 1957, Bold Ruler won seven stakes races, the most notable being the Futurity at Belmont. At three he had four epic spring battles in Florida with Gen. Duke, the pair coming out with two wins each. After winning the Wood Memorial, he started favorite in the Kentucky Derby after the late withdrawal of Gen. Duke. He finished fourth in the Derby behind Iron Liege, Gallant Man, and Round Table.

In the 1957 Preakness Stakes, Bold Ruler would show his winning form with an outstanding victory over Gallant Man, whom he would subsequently lose the Belmont Stakes to.

Bold Ruler subsequently won four more stakes races before the Trenton Handicap, in which he met Gallant Man and Round Table in a race to effectively decide Horse of the Year. Bold Ruler beat his fellow future Hall of Famers comfortably and was later named Champion 3-year-old Male and Horse of the Year.

Bold Ruler returned at four to win the Carter Handicap and Suburban Handicap among other races, earning the Champion Sprinter title. He was retired with a 23-4-2 record over 33 starts, earning $764,204.

As impressive as he was on the track, Bold Ruler was arguably more successful as a sire at Claiborne Farm. He was Leading Sire in North America from 1963 through 1969, and once more in 1973, producing 11 champions. His sire line continues through A.P. Indy and his sire line.

Bold Ruler also had one other lasting legacy; in 1970, he fathered eventual legend and Triple Crown winner Secretariat.