Belmont Winner Touch Gold Passes At 31

The oldest living GI Belmont Stakes winner, Touch Gold (Deputy Minister), has passed away at Old Friends Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, according to a post on X from the retirement home late on Thursday.

The message said, “We are devastated to share the passing of Touch Gold, the 1997 Belmont Stakes winner, who succumbed to the infirmities of old age at 31. Tough, intelligent, determined, and courageous, he embodied the very spirit of a champion on the track and in retirement.”

Touch Gold won six of 15 starts for $1,679,907 in earnings. As a stallion his 29 stakes winners and 67 stakes performers include four Grade I winners–including Old Friends's Seek Gold.

We are devastated to share the passing of Touch Gold, the 1997 @BelmontStakes winner, who succumbed to the infirmities of old age at 31.

Tough, intelligent, determined, & courageous, he embodied the very spirit of a champion on the track and in retirement.

📸 @battles_laura pic.twitter.com/rWPEHoU0wS

— Old Friends (@Oldfriendsfarm) November 13, 2025