1991 Kentucky Derby winner Strike the Gold was put down at Karacabey Stud in Turkey on Tuesday.  The 23-year-old son of Alydar had fractured a foreleg in a paddock accident.

Strike the Gold (Alydar – Majestic Gold by Hatchet Man) was still the leading active stallion in Turkey.  He had battled laminitis recently but was still in relatively good health until his injury.

Bred in Kentucky, the Calumet Farm colt won the 1991 G2 Blue Grass Stakes prior to defeating Best Pal in the Derby for trainer Nick Zito.  “It’s very sad to hear.  I hadn’t seen him in many years but I heard he was healthy,” said Zito.  “He was obviously the horse that helped launch my career; he’s a big reason why I’m here today.  It’s all because of him.

“Go for Gin was wonderful too, but Strike was my first and so he will always be special to me.  He’s still the last horse to win the Blue Grass and the Derby.”

Strike the Gold would go on to finish sixth in the G1 Preakness and second by a head to Hansel in the G1 Belmont Stakes. As a four year-old, he won the G1 Pimlico Special and G2 Nassau County Hcp at Belmont Park.

Purchased for $500,000 as a yearling, he won 6 of 31 starts and earned $3.50 million.  The chestnut retired to Vinery and after five years in Kentucky relocated to Turkey.  He is the leading stallion in 2011 with progeny earnings of more than $US4.30 million.

Strike the Gold was the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner which is now claimed by 1993 winner Sea Hero.   He also resides at Karacabey Stud in Izmit.