Phillips Creek Ranch History

It’s been said that a person “would have to go some” to be recognized as a legend in Texas. The state has witnessed so many bigger-than-life personalities and historical figures that earning the distinction of “legend” requires more than just a newspaper headline or statue in the park.

Quarter Horse breeder and trainer, B.F. Phillips was the genuine article. He was a true Texas legend. Not only did he establish his family’s reputation for breeding and training some of the most famous horses ever to set foot on the nation’s race tracks, he also led the effort to allow legal horse racing in Texas for the first time in history.

"Dash for Cash" & B.F. Phillips

His thoroughbred Quarter Horse, “Dash for Cash,” was the only horse to win the coveted Champion of Champions, twice. This famed sorrel stallion was considered the greatest sire of Quarter Horse racing. He was the Racing World Champion in 1976 and 1977 and during his run set two track records, won 21 of 25 starts, including nine stakes races and finished first or second in every race he entered except one.

A classic photograph of a great champion: Milt Martinez caught Dash For Cash at the moment of one of the stallion's greatest triumphs, with Jerry Nicodemus standing in the irons as they win their first Champion of Champions in track-record time

This stallion spent his days galloping with other prized horses throughout the rolling, grassy meadows of one of the most breath-taking ranches in North Texas. That land is now known as Phillips Creek Ranch.

If you listen closely, you can almost hear the sound of the hoof beats reverberating through the meadows of Phillips Creek Ranch. The magnificent horses are gone now, but the quintessential beauty of this ranch remains and it’s ready for the next chapter in its storied history.