Gander, a four-time New-York bred champion gelding who was a fan favorite for his desire and durability, died Wednesday at Mill Creek Farm in Stillwater, N.Y., due to complications from old age. He was 26.
Gander, owned by brothers Mike and Ted Gatsas, raced 60 times in a career that began in 1998 and lasted through July 2004 before he suffered a career-ending injury in a workout at Saratoga. Gander won 15 races, including six stakes topped by the Grade 2 Meadowlands Cup in 2001, and earned $1,824,011. He still ranks as the 12th all-time leading New York-bred money earner.