LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Bold Forbes, the 1976 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner, was humanely destroyed due to intestinal problems and kidney failure.

The 27-year-old stallion, who was the oldest living Derby winner, was euthanized about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Kentucky Horse Park, said John Nicholson, executive director of the park.

Bold Forbes, the 1976 3-year-old champion, was buried at the park near Forego, a three-time horse of the year in the mid 1970s, and the standardbred Rambling Willie.

"Bold Forbes' spirit and vitality was an inspiration to us all," Nicholson said. "As the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner, he was a special symbol of our heritage. I am glad he had a healthy and happy retirement right up to his last days."

Sired by Irish Castle out of Comely Nell, Bold Forbes was foaled on March 31, 1973. He won seven of eight starts in 1975 and in '76 went wire-to-wire in capturing the Derby and Belmont. He finished third in the Preakness. He also won the Saratoga Special and the Wood Memorial that year.

Bold Forbes, who was trained by Laz Barrera, was retired to stud after his 3-year-old season with earnings of $546,536. He sired 13 crops through 1990 with 460 named foals, including 304 winners. Some of his offsprings include Kentucky Oaks winner Tiffany Lass, Bold Apparel, Air Forbes Won and Barb's Bold.

He was moved to the Kentucky Horse Park in April 1991, where he spent his last nine years alongside John Henry and Cigar in the park's Hall of Champions. He remained popular with visitors up until the day of his death, said Tammy Siters, one of the stallion's caretakers.

"People might not remember anything else, but they always remember the Derby winners," Siters said.

Bold Forbes will be missed by horse racing fans around the world, said Arthur Hancock III, owner of Stone Farm in Paris, Ky.

"Bold Forbes has made a significant contribution to thoroughbred racing and breeding, for which we will always be grateful," Hancock said. "He was moved to the Kentucky Horse Park so that he could be enjoyed and appreciated by his many fans."

There are now 22 living Derby winners, 13 of them stabled in Kentucky. Seattle Slew, the 1977 Triple Crown winner, is now the oldest living Kentucky Derby champion at age 26.