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) Fleece did not race again in 1981, but his form was boosted when Assert won the Beresford Stakes by four lengths. In the spring of 1982, Golden Fleece established himself as a leading contender for the Derby by winning the Ballymoss Stakes at the Curragh and the Nijinsky Stakes at Leopardstown. His participation in the Classic was briefly put in doubt by a minor training injury, but he made a quick recovery. In the Epsom Derby, Golden Fleece started the 3/1 favourite in a field of eighteen runners. His task was made slightly easier by the late withdrawal of his