Golden Fleece origin of the myth of the golden fleece—unless they call them Iberians, by the same name as the western Iberians, from the gold mines in both countries." Another interpretation is based on the references in some versions to purple or purple-dyed cloth. The purple dye extracted from the purple dye murex snail and related species was highly prized in ancient times. Clothing made of cloth dyed with Tyrian purple was a mark of great wealth and high station (hence the phrase "royal purple"). The association of gold with purple is natural and occurs frequently in literature. Jason attempts to put
Golden Fleece (horse) to be trained by Vincent O'Brien at Ballydoyle. Golden Fleece was sired by Nijinsky, the Canadian-bred winner of the English Triple Crown in 1970 who went on to become an important stallion, siring horses such as Ferdinand, Lammtarra, Sky Classic, Caerleon, Royal Academy and Shahrastani. Golden Fleece's dam, Exotic Treat, produced at least four other winners. Golden Fleece began his racing career in September 1981 when he contested a one-mile maiden race at Leopardstown Racecourse. Ridden by Pat Eddery, he took the lead in the straight and won decisively from Assert, despite being eased down in the closing stages. Golden