Classic Touch Stables

02/25/2026

11/29/2025

BOLD RULER! A son of Nasrullah out of the Discovery mare Miss Disco, Bold Ruler was bred and raced by Gladys Mills Phipps’ Wheatley Stable and foaled at historic Claiborne Farm in Kentucky. Trained by James “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons, Bold Ruler was regularly ridden by. Eddie Arcaro.

BOLD RULER (1954-1971) won the first five races of his career in 1956 and won the Belmont Futurity on the same day his stablemate, the great Nashua, won his farewell race in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. With his success as a 2-year-old and Nashua’s retirement, Bold Ruler was being hailed as Nashua’s successor, as both were sired by Nasrullah. Bold Ruler concluded his juvenile season with a record of 7-1-0 from 10 starts and earnings of $139,050.

AS A 3-YEAR-OLD, Bold Ruler began his campaign by setting a track record in the Flamingo Stakes. He then won the Wood Memorial, Preakness Stakes, Jerome Handicap, Vosburgh Handicap, Queens County Handicap, and Trenton Handicap. As a sophomore, Bold Ruler won four stakes in which he carried 130 pounds or more and set three track records. His best effort of the year is generally considered to be the Trenton Handicap, in which he defeated Hall of Famers Gallant Man and Round Table. Overall, Bold Ruler compiled a record of 11-2-2 from 16 starts and earnings of $415,160 as a 3-year-old. Bold Ruler continued to excel as a 4-year-old in 1958, winning both the Suburban Handicap and the Monmouth Handicap with 134 pounds. Bold Ruler also won the Stymie, Carter, and Toboggan handicaps that year. He injured an ankle carrying 136 pounds in the Brooklyn Handicap and was retired to stud with an overall record of 23-4-2 from 33 starts and earnings of $764,204.

STANDING AT CLAIBORNE, Bold Ruler sired 82 stakes winners including Triple Crown winner Secretariat and the Hall of Fame filly Gamely. Other standouts sired by Bold Ruler included Bold Bidder, Lamb Chop, Bold Lad, Queen Empress, Successor, Queen of the Stage, Vitriolic, and Wajima. He was also the grandsire of Ruffian, Bold Forbes, Foolish Pleasure, Bold ’n Determined, and Spectacular Bid, as well as the great-grandsire of 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew. Bold Ruler was the leading North American sire each year from 1963 through 1969. He died at Claiborne Farm in 1971 at the age of 17. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973. Horse of the Year — 1957. Champion 3-Year-Old Male — 1957. Champion Sprint Horse — 1958.
Source: National Museum

11/27/2025

In 1991, Sham lived peacefully at Spendthrift Farm, a quieter chapter for a horse whose career had once been filled with brilliance and unrelenting competition. Known for his incredible speed and determination, Sham is often remembered as Secretariat's greatest rival during the historic 1973 Triple Crown season.

Few horses could match Sham’s raw ability. His performance in the Kentucky Derby, where he finished second to Secretariat, remains one of the fastest times ever recorded in the race's history overshadowed only by Secretariat’s astonishing record. The same was true of the Preakness, where Sham again proved his immense talent by placing second, running faster than most winners in the history of the race.

Sham’s greatness was, in some ways, his misfortune; he was born in the shadow of an unparalleled legend. But those who watched him compete understood his extraordinary heart and grit.

At Spendthrift Farm, Sham was admired not just as the horse who chased Secretariat but as a champion in his own right ,a symbol of unyielding spirit and excellence. His story remains a powerful reminder of how greatness is not diminished by competition but often defined by it.

11/25/2025

After 10,000 years, Przewalski horses are once again roaming freely in the wilds of Spain. This marks a significant moment in conservation efforts, as these wild horses, once lost to extinction in the wild, have now returned to their natural habitat. The Przewalski horse, known for its unique characteristics and historical significance, was once a symbol of wildlife conservation. Now, after decades of hard work, these magnificent creatures are finally home once more, a symbol of resilience, dedication, and hope for the future of endangered species.

The return of these horses to the wild serves as a reminder of the power of human-driven conservation efforts. The success story of the Przewalski horses offers a glimmer of hope for other species at risk of extinction. It underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity and restoring the natural balance of ecosystems. As we celebrate the return of these wild horses, we are reminded that with concerted efforts and global cooperation, the restoration of lost species is possible.

This moment in time invites us to reflect on the role we all play in the preservation of the natural world. As stewards of the Earth, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that future generations can experience the same wonders of nature that we have the privilege of witnessing today. The Przewalski horses’ return to the wild offers a powerful message of resilience, perseverance, and the importance of continued conservation work.

05/25/2025

12/12/2024

12/12/2024

Great exercise for a lead departure.

12/07/2024

Awesome drill for lead changes from the master Al Dunning.

11/13/2024

10/22/2024

Does anyone remember BMB custom horse blankets? Is that company still in business? Is there anywhere you can order BMB blankets??