Bold Ruler charges to victory in this file photo from his 1957 Horse of the Year campaign. That year's Preakness Stakes winner, Bold Ruler won 11 of 16 races during his banner 1957 season, inclduing nine stakes wins. Among his top victories that year, in addition to the Preakness, were the Flamingo Stakes, the Trenton Handicap, the Jerome Handicap and the Vosburgh Handicap. Also named champion 3-year-old male, Bold Ruler finished in the top three in 15 of his 16 starts in 1957 and he was far from finished. Bold Ruler went on to earn champion sprinter honors in 1958 and left a lasting legacy as a sire.
By Nasrullah out of the Discovery mare Miss Disco, Bold Ruler was leading sire eight times, including seven years in a row from 1963-1969 and sired 82 stakes winners, among them 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat. His great-grandson Seattle Slew won the 1977 Triple Crown and also became an infleuntial sire.
HorsePhotos.com and America’s Best Racing team up to take readers on a visual tour of Thoroughbred racing history with Snapshots of Racing History, a regular feature that will provide images of some of racing's most memorable moments, engaging stars, and unforgettable venues.
