1982 Derby winner Gato Del Sol dies 24 minutes ago

1982 Derby winner Gato Del Sol dies 24 minutes ago



PARIS, Ky. - Gato Del Sol, the winner of the 1982 Kentucky Derby and the second-oldest living Derby winner, died at 28.

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The horse was euthanized Tuesday because of age-related infirmities, owner Arthur Hancock told The Associated Press.

"My life's dream was to win the Kentucky Derby and he realized that for me," Hancock said. "He was a sweet horse. He'd never bite or kick. It was really a fairy tale come true."

The Hancocks, in Saratoga for the horse sales, knew from their veterinarian that the horse had begun to rapidly deteriorate. Gato Del Sol was buried near the Hancocks' house at the Paris farm where he spent his retirement in a 2-acre paddock.

The oldest surviving Derby winner is now Genuine Risk, who in 1980 became only the second filly to win the race.

After his racing career ended, Gato Del Sol was put out to stud but didn't perform well in the U.S. Hancock sold him to a German breeder, hoping the horse would produce distance runners better suited for European grass racing. The horse didn't succeed there, either.

Eight years ago, Hancock's wife, Staci, feared Gato Del Sol could end up in an overseas slaughterhouse and insisted they bring their Derby winner home to live out his remaining years. The Hancocks spent $18,000 — $5,500 to buy him back and $12,500 to ship him home.

The investment proved fruitful, Hancock said, as people from across the globe came to visit the horse.

"It kind of legitimized Stone Farm, put us on the map," Hancock said. "He was a precious gift."

In 1982 Gato Del Sol, a gray horse trained by the late Eddie Gregson and ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye, went off at 21-1 in the 19-horse Derby field and charged from last place to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Laser Light.

Hancock chose to skip the Preakness to wait for the Belmont Stakes, in which the son of Cougar II finished second. Gato Del Sol raced into his 6-year-old season before being retired with seven victories in 39 starts while earning $1.3 million.