Kentucky Derby winner and champion Thunder Gulch dies at 26

Thunder Gulch, a dual classic winner and champion three-year-old colt of 1995, has been euthanized due to the infirmities of old age. Coolmore America made the announcement via Twitter on Monday afternoon. The son of Gulch was 26.

Despite winning two of his three Kentucky Derby (G1) preps, Thunder Gulch was a 24-1 longshot to rebound from a fourth-place finish in the Blue Grass (G2) in the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs. Favored in the 1 1/4-mile classic were fellow D. Wayne Lukas trainees Timber Country, the 1994 juvenile colt champion, and the filly Serena's Song, who were coupled in the wagering.

Under Gary Stevens, who was riding the chestnut for the first time since guiding him to victory in the Remsen (G2) at Aqueduct the previous November, Thunder Gulch was within striking range throughout after breaking from post 16. Gradually advancing from sixth, Thunder Gulch hit the front in upper stretch and drew off to a 2 1/4-length win over Tejano Run, with Timber Country third and Serena's Song, later to be voted champion three-year-old filly, 16th.

Though Timber Country turned the tables in the Preakness (G1), beating Thunder Gulch by three-quarters of a length, his retirement soon after left the field open for Thunder Gulch to win four straight stakes and clinch the three-year-old championship. Following two-length wins in the Belmont Stakes (G1) and Swaps (G2), Thunder Gulch won the Travers (G1) by 4 1/2 lengths and the Kentucky Cup Classic at Turfway Park against older horses. However, he was no match against eventual Horse of the Year Cigar, finishing fifth to that rival in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) in his final start.