Gang Forward, described as "a remarkably handsome, powerful colt"[1] was bred by his owner William Stuart Stirling-Crawfurd (1819–1883), an "old school" sportsman[2] who had married the widow of the 4th Duke of Montrose.

He won the Glasgow Stakes from Andred and Surinam after a "fine race"[1] and then was allowed to walk over for a first prize of £500 in a Sweepstakes when his opponents were withdrawn.

The two colts drew away from the rest of the field and after a "good race"[7] Gang Forward prevailed by a head from the favourite, with Suleiman three lengths back in third place.

[10] He was never able to reach the lead however and dead-heated with Kaiser for second place, half a length behind the 40/1 winner Doncaster, who had finished unplaced in the "Guineas".

[11] Gang Forward and Kaiser met again in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June and had another close contest.

On this occasion, Gang Forward looked the likely winner before swerving to the right in the closing strides and losing by a short-head to Kaiser in a race which was effectively a match between the two favourites in the straight.

Gang Forward was strongly fancied the St Leger after performing impressively in training with Challoner claiming that the horse was better than ever.

He was to be transported to Doncaster by train, but only reached Oxford, where he was removed from his carriage and found to be lame as a result of a hock injury.