Go for Gin (April 18, 1991 – March 8, 2022) was an American thoroughbredracehorse best known as the winner of the 1994 Kentucky Derby. He was sired by Cormorant out of the dam Never Knock. He was ridden in the Derby by Chris McCarron, who had previously won the race on Alysheba.
Foaled in Kentucky in 1991, Go for Gin was bred by Pamela duPont Darmstadt and trained by Nick Zito, who also trained 1991 Kentucky Derby winner Strike the Gold.
In 1995, Go for Gin suffered a small tear of a tendon sheath in his left foreleg while working out at Belmont Park.[1] This precipitated his retirement to stud.
After the death of Sea Hero in July 2019, Go for Gin became the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner.[2] Upon the death of A.P. Indy on February 21, 2020, Go For Gin became the oldest living winner of any of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing races. This title now belongs to Silver Charm, the winner of the 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness.
Racing history
Go for Gin started 19 races, winning five and running in the money 14 times. Though he challenged for the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, he never won again, losing his last nine races.
1994 Kentucky Derby
The 120th Kentucky Derby was held on May 7, 1994, over a sloppy track. The race went off at 5:34 p.m. local time. Go for Gin entered the race at 9.10:1 odds, behind Holy Bull at 2.20, Brocco at 4.30, Tabasco Cat at 6.10, and Strodes Creek at 7.90. He started by ducking out, forcing Tabasco Cat into Brocco. By the 1/4 mile pole, Go for Gin moved up to second place behind Ulises. At the 1/2 mile pole, he led by half a length. As he entered the stretch, he increased the lead to four lengths. Strodes Creek and Blumin Affair both made late charges, closing the gap, but Go for Gin won by two lengths in a time of 2:03.72 and netted US$628,800 for the victory.[3] Tabasco Cat finished sixth in this race but won that year's other two legs of the Triple Crown. Go for Gin placed second in both of those races.
Go for Gin was retired to stud in 1995 at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky. In 2004, he was sold to Bonita Farm in Darlington, Maryland.[23] His stud feed as of 2007 was US$4000.[24] He was the sire of Albert the Great, who retired with lifetime winnings in excess of US$3 million and has sired Nobiz Like Shobiz.[25] His runners have earned an average US$71,742 per starter.[26] He has sired seven stakes winners. In total, Go for Gin offspring have netted more than US$22 million in career winnings.[23]
Go For Gin enjoying fresh hay.
Post-retirement
On August 11, 2011, Go for Gin moved to the Kentucky Horse Park, an equine-themed park and industry showplace in Lexington, Kentucky. Along with Thoroughbred champions Funny Cide, Da Hoss, and Point Given, he greeted visitors to the Hall of Champions[27] Go for Gin was the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner.[28] He died from heart failure on March 8, 2022, at the age of 30.[29]
