Racing fans have been sharing their favorite photographs and memories of 2003 Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide on social media, following Sunday's announcement that “The Gutsy Gelding” had died due to complications of colic at age 23.
“We are heartbroken at the news of Funny Cide's passing,” his renowned ownership group Sackatoga Stable posted on Twitter. “What a ride The Gutsy Gelding took us on winning the @KentuckyDerby and @PreaknessStakes. We are so grateful to the @KyHorsePark for giving our guy a wonderful retirement. To say we will miss him is an understatement.”
Trained by Barclay Tagg for New York-based Sackatoga Stable, Funny Cide's career line stood at 11-6-8 record from 38 career starts and $3,529,412 in purse earnings. At the time of his retirement he was the highest-earning New York-bred in history. In addition to his pair of classic triumphs (Kentucky Derby and Preakness), he also won the prestigious Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) in 2004.
Funny Cide had resided at the Kentucky Horse Park's Hall of Champions in Lexington since 2008 following his retirement the previous year. He was one of the Horse Park's biggest attractions.
Below is a selection of the memories he created in the hearts of racing fans:
Funny Cide, you meant so much to not just my family, but the racing community. You will be remembered by most for your grit, determination, will to win and being the champion no one could have expected. By me, you will be remembered for the moments you gave our family. You are a… pic.twitter.com/ZTGgXZzdXK
— Jose Santos Jr. (@joesantos_33) July 16, 2023
Funny Cide was always a character. Wanted to make sure Kathy told his story right. pic.twitter.com/KmVLeb0cEp
— Nicole
(@Nicole__Meiner) July 16, 2023
So sad to hear of Funny Cide's passing. We JUST saw him at the @KyHorsePark on Ava's birthday, and he and his handler made the afternoon all the more special. You can see in the screen grab below how Ava gazed on at Funny Cide in appreciative wonder. Condolences to all… Run… pic.twitter.com/kGuLXbeQcb
— Ren Hakim Carothers ن (@RenCarothers) July 16, 2023
The Gutsy Gelding – my favorite racehorse, the one that got me hooked.
To witness his final 2 wins was magical. The Wadsworth Memorial @FlGaming is still my favorite experience at a track. The energy, chills, and tears. Thank you for taking us all on a wild ride, Funny Cide.
pic.twitter.com/73pV9fDNZ5
— Ashley Mailloux (@ashley_mailloux) July 16, 2023
RIP Funny Cide
pic.twitter.com/z5Sk5VSVlK
— Heather Smullen (@hlynnsm) July 16, 2023
RIP Funny Cide. Still have my button from 20 years ago. @TheNYRA @NYRABets @MaggieWolfndale @acacia_clement @andyserling @mig4450 @RealGregWolf pic.twitter.com/7Rh0pp0B36
— Ed Luvah (@eluvah23) July 16, 2023
Who still has this T-shirt? RIP Funny Cide. pic.twitter.com/pDMZ9qT9bj
— Amy Owens (@Amy_L_Owens) July 16, 2023
Rest in Peace Funny Cide. Here at KY Horse Park with his groom. The late Eugene Carter, whom I'm sure was waiting for him in Heaven. All my sympathy
Derby & Preakness winner trained by Barclay Tagg.— Ann Spicer Reilly (@AnnReilyPhd) July 17, 2023
RIP Funny Cide. @KyHorsePark pic.twitter.com/KwuHdKOvKN
— Nina Ledkovsky (@blinachka) July 16, 2023
This incredible Funny Cide portrait done by Brian Fox in 2003 sits proudly on the wall in my living room.He instantly changed the future of the New-York Bred Industry with his remarkable wins in both the Derby & Preakness. One of my true favorites he will be greatly missed!
pic.twitter.com/gVRfTL7CUc
— Sean Patrick Nolan (@SPNnation74) July 16, 2023
I've been reminiscing about my last visit to the Kentucky Horse Park's Hall of Champions. I was privileged to see the amazing Funny Cide on that occasion. It's hard to believe that this magnificent and charismatic horse has passed on. He will be missed immeasurably. pic.twitter.com/JyLpl8Cxt0
— Roxanne L. Campbell (@RoxanneCam1012) July 17, 2023
When Funny Cide part owner, Naugatuck native Dave Mahan was dying of brain cancer wife Nadine often said, 'Go to your happy place,' and Dave would turn to a bedside photo of him up on Funny at Saratoga. He always came running when Dave was around. He knew who had the sweets. https://t.co/SeXMEpFrAQ
— JPOnTheRecord (@JPOnTheRecord) July 17, 2023
Who still has this T-shirt? RIP Funny Cide. pic.twitter.com/pDMZ9qT9bj
— Amy Owens (@Amy_L_Owens) July 16, 2023
The post ‘The Champion No One Could Have Expected’: Racing Fans Remember Funny Cide appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
