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<< Previous Next >> |  | | Sport | Horse Racing | | Name | Forego | | Subtitle | Handicap King | | Number | 17-06 | | Info | A fourth-place finish usually does not generate much excitement, and on May 5, 1973, that was exactly the situation for Forego. Lazy F Ranch's oversized gelding finished well beaten in the Kentucky Derby that day. A month later, on Belmont Stakes Day, Forego was a 9-length winner. Unfortunately for him, it was in an allowance race on the program and in the next race, the Belmont Stakes, Secretariat romped home a 31-length winner, becoming the first Triple Crown winner in a quarter of a century. It was not until later that year that Forego won his first stakes race, the Roamer Handicap at Aqueduct. The son of Forli and Lady Golconda stands 17 hands high (about 5' 8") at the withers, which is big by anyone's standards. Though he showed some promise as a three-year-old, in his big chance against Secretariat in the Kentucky Derby, he bumped into the rail coming into the homestretch and lost any chance to challenge the eventual winner. After that, though, he went on to win 9 races and earn a total of $188,909 for the year. As a four-year-old, Forego made people sit up and take notice by capturing such prestigious races as the Widener Handicap at Hialeah, the Carter at Aqueduct, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup. His victories were over distances between 7 furlongs and 2 miles, showing his versatility. Such deeds brought him Horse-of-the-Year honors for the first time. Forego improved as a five-year-old and won 6 of 9 races, easily repeating the Horse-of-the-Year award. His bankroll was increased by $429,521 to put his career earnings at more than $1 million. The 1976 season was much the same, with Forego toting well over 130 lb in handicap events, running over almost any distance and—to no one's great surprise—capturing Horse-of-the-Year honors for the third consecutive year. He is the only horse other than Kelso to accomplish this feat. In 1977, Forego was fast approaching Kelso's all-time money winning mark of $1,977,896. AWARDS AND RECORDS Forego, foal of 1970, by Forli out of Lady Golconda, by Hasty Road Horse of the Year, 1974, 1975, 1976 | | Photo Info | Mighty Forego always comes on strong in the stretch | | Copyright | © 1978, Editions, Rencontre S.A., Lausanne Photo Focus on Sports Printed in Italy 03 005 17-06
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