Hall of Champions residents Go for gin died of a heart attack March 8 at Kentucky Horse Park, where he had lived since retiring in June 2011. The 31-year-old was the oldest living Kentucky Derby (G1) winner.
“We’re honored that Go for Gin has been the park’s ambassador for nearly 12 years,” said Kentucky Horse Park CEO Lee Carter. “As a fan favorite, Go for Gin has brought visitors from all over the world to Bluegrass and introduced new fans to the Purebred racing sport. He will miss them all dearly. me at Kentucky Horse Park.”
Go for Gin was bred in Kentucky by Pamela Darmstadt duPont and owned by William J. Condren and Joseph Cornacchia. He is coached by Nick Zito. At the age of 2, Cormorant’s son won the Remsen Stakes (G2). At the age of 3, he was one of the few racehorses to beat the mighty Holy Bull, as he did in his victory in the 120th Kentucky Derby against jockey Chris McCarron on the Walk of Fame. He then won with second place in Preakness Stakes (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) losing both races to Tabasco Cat. From ages 2 to 4, Go for Gin has had a 5-7-2 record from 19 premieres and earned $1,380,866.
Go for Gin wins the 1994 Kentucky Derby
He took up tending duties at Claiborne Ranch in Kentucky and was later sold to Bonita Ranch in Maryland, where he has stood since 2004. His descendants have earned more than $19.5 million, and including tier 1 winner Albert the Great, winner of over $3 million.
“I was sad to hear about Go for Gin,” McCarron said. “My memories of him giving me my second Kentucky Derby victory will be indelible in my heart for as long as I live. Rest in peace, my old friend.”
Go for Gin shared the Kentucky Horse Park Champion with other champion horses, including Funny Cide and Point Given; Standardbred speedrs, Wester Dreamer and Won the West; and Standardbred trotter, Mr. Muscleman.
Rob Willis, manager of the Hall of Champions, said Go for Gin is natural in his role as an equestrian ambassador.
Willis said: “As the oldest Derby winner, and with his personality, people really connect with him. “A lot of our visitors don’t have much idea of the horses they are seeing but many of them will remember the name Go for Gin. Then, after they meet him, with his looks, his charm and charisma, they will remember him, they will become his fans after meeting him.
“The great thing about Gin is that he enjoys human contact. We can let people brush his coat. When they brush, we’ll ask them, ‘Have you ever groomed a fighter? Have you won the Derby yet?” You will see their faces light up. It’s their day. “
Like the other great horses in the Great Hall of Champions at Kentucky Horse Park, Go for Gin will be buried in the Champions Memorial along with past Thoroughbred residents Forego, Bold Forbes, John Henry, Alysheba and Da Hoss.
A public memorial service will be held for Go for Gin at a future date.
