In a career which consisted of only four races, he was undefeated, with his most notable success coming on his final racecourse appearance in the 1982 Epsom Derby.

Golden Fleece was a big, heavily built bay horse bred in the United States by Mr and Mrs Paul Hexter.

Golden Fleece's participation in the Derby was briefly put in doubt by a minor training injury, but he made a quick recovery.

His task was made slightly easier by the late withdrawal of his main rival in the betting, the Henry Cecil-trained Simply Great.

[5] In the following year, Golden Fleece was given a rating of 133 by Timeform, placing him fourth behind Ardross, Assert and Green Forest.

[14] Pat Eddery, who later rode such champions as Dancing Brave, El Gran Senor and Pebbles, maintained that Golden Fleece was the best horse he had ever ridden.