Go for Gin, 1994 Kentucky Derby winner, dies at 31

Mar 09, 2022 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

Go for Gin, who splashed his way through the slop at Churchill Downs
to win the 1994 Kentucky Derby (G1), has died at the age of 31.

The cause of death, which occurred Tuesday, was heart failure, according to
officials at the Kentucky Horse Park. Go for Gin had resided at the park since
2011 when he was pensioned from stud duty.

'We're honored that Go for Gin was an ambassador of the park for nearly 12
years,' said Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director Lee Carter. 'As a visitor
favorite, Go for Gin brought visitors from around the world to the Bluegrass and
introduced new fans to the sport of Thoroughbred racing. He will be greatly
missed by all of us at the Kentucky Horse Park.'

The 9-1 fifth choice in a field of 14 for the 1994 Derby, Go for Gin led most
of the way to win by two lengths over Strodes Creek. Holy Bull, who would be
named champion three-year-old colt and Horse of the Year that season, finished
12th as the 2-1 favorite after a rough trip.

Go for Gin provided trainer Nick Zito and jockey Chris McCarron, both Hall of
Famers, with their second wins in the Run for the Roses. Zito trained 1991 Derby
winner Strike the Gold, while McCarron had ridden Alysheba to victory in 1987.
Go for Gin was owned by William Condren and Joseph Cornacchia, who also owned
Strike the Gold in a partnership with B. Giles Brophy.

The Kentucky Derby was the fourth and final stakes win in Go for Gin's
career. His signature wins prior to the Derby occurred in the 1993 Remsen (G2)
at Aqueduct and the 1994 Preview S. at Gulfstream Park, now known as the Holy
Bull (G3).

After the Derby, Go for Gin finished second in both the Preakness (G1) and
Belmont S. (G1) to Tabasco Cat. He also placed in the Fountain of Youth (G2),
Wood Memorial (G1), Forego H. (G1), and Churchill Downs H. (G3). Go for Gin retired with a career record of 19-5-7-2, $1,380,866.

Initially standing at Claiborne Farm upon his retirement, Go for Gin was
later sold to Bonita Farm in Maryland. His most accomplished offspring was 2000
Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) winner Albert the Great.

Bred in Kentucky by Pamela Darmstadt du Pont, Go for Gin was by the New
York-based Cormorant and out of the Stage Door Johnny mare Never Knock. Go for Gin
was a half-brother to 1992 champion older male Pleasant Tap.

The Kentucky Horse Park announced Go for Gin would be buried at the Memorial
Park of Champions alongside Derby winners Alysheba and Bold Forbes, as well as
the Hall of Fame geldings Forego and John Henry. A public memorial service will
be held at a future date.

At the time of his death, Go for Gin was the oldest living winner of the Kentucky Derby.