Funny Cide, the beloved racehorse who triumphed in the 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness, dies at the age of 23, leaving a legacy of success and inspiration in the world of horse racing.
Funny Cide
Funny Cide was America’s favorite thoroughbred racehorse who won the hearts of racing enthusiasts around the world with his impressive achievements on the track. He was born at WinStar Farm, located in Versailles, Kentucky, in the United States.
Trained by Barclay Tagg, Funny Cide won the Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2003, making him the first New York-bred horse to accomplish this feat in over 100 years. Just two weeks later, he won the Preakness Stakes, becoming the first New York-bred horse to win the race in 135 years.
The following year, Funny Cide won several other prestigious races, including the Jockey Club Gold Cup and the Empire Classic Handicap. He won over $3.5 million in prize money during his career and retired as one of the most successful racehorses of his generation.
In addition to his impressive track record, Funny Cide was known for his fun-loving personality and love of peppermint. His success and personality endeared him to racing fans around the world, and he remains a beloved figure in the sport of horse racing to this day.
After his retirement in 2007, Funny Cide continued to lead the comfortable life of a retired racehorse, enjoying the farm with his caretakers. However, on July 16, 2023, Funny Cide passed away due to complications from colic at the age of 23, leaving behind a legacy and fond memories in the hearts of racing fans.
Funny Cide Cause Of Death
Funny Cide, the famous New York-bred racehorse who captured the hearts of fans around the world, has died at the age of 23. His untimely death, caused by complications of colic, leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary achievements in the world of horse racing.
Cramps, a common and potentially fatal condition in horses, brought an unexpected end to Funny Cide’s lively life. Known for his health and excellent care, his passing comes as a shock to many who admired his extraordinary athleticism.
Born in 2000 and expertly trained by Barclay Tagg, Funny Cide, a lively gelding sired by Distorted Humor, gathered a close-knit group of 10 friends from upstate New York to form Sackatoga Stable, his devoted owners.
Cide’s ridiculous victory in the 2003 Kentucky Derby stunned the racing community, as he triumphed at 12-1. He continued his winning streak by winning the Preakness Stakes, although a third-place finish in the Belmont Stakes narrowly denied him the coveted Triple Crown title.
Despite missing out on the Triple Crown, Funny Cide has garnered a huge following from fans around the world. Known for his dogged style and unwavering determination, he attracted large crowds to witness his thrilling races.
News of Funny Cide’s death caused an outpouring of grief and condolences among racing enthusiasts and fans alike. His unforgettable victories and lively personality left an indelible mark on the world of horse racing.
The horse racing community mourns the loss of Funny Cide, a gifted and beloved champion whose boundless talent brought joy to countless lives. His enduring legacy will forever be cherished, cementing his place as one of the most celebrated and beloved horses of modern times.
What happened to Funny Cide?
The hilarious Cide, affectionately known as “Gutsy Gelding,” left an indelible mark on the hearts of racing enthusiasts as the outstanding winner of the 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Unfortunately, the legendary purebred dog succumbed to complications of spasms at the age of 23.
Kentucky Horse Park, the peaceful haven where Funny Cide spent his last 15 years, and Sackatoga Stable, the tight-knit group of 10 friends hailing from a small town in upstate New York who proudly owned him, confirmed the devastating news.
In a heartfelt tweet, the stable expressed its deep sadness, acknowledging the incredible journey “The Gutsy Gelding” has taken them on and their gratitude to the Kentucky Horse Park for allowing him a precious retirement. Cide’s ridiculous absence leaves an immeasurable void, as words fail to convey the depth of their loss.
During his illustrious career, Funny Cide posted 11 wins in 38 starts, amassing an impressive total of $3,529,412. As an undefeated two-year-old, his outstanding potential was obvious. While he faced early setbacks the following year, his last race before the Kentucky Derby showed his mettle, finishing just half a length behind the heavily favored Empire Maker in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, New York.
Under trainer Barclay Tagg, Funny Cide defied expectations to secure his place in racing history with a stunning Kentucky Derby triumph, edging out Empire Maker by a whopping 1 1/2 lengths at odds of nearly 13-1.
As the first New York-bred horse to win the prestigious competition, he conquered the world. Just two weeks later, jockey Jose Santos and Funny Cide wowed spectators again with a striking 10-furlong triumph in the Preakness Stakes, closing in on the elusive Triple Crown.
However, on a fateful, rainy day in New York, the final leg of the Triple Crown eluded Funny Cide. Despite a valiant effort, Empire Maker emerged victorious, relegating Funny Cide to a respectable third, some five lengths behind the winner. The disappointment was palpable, but Funny Cide’s unusual journey had already left an indelible mark in the annals of horse racing.
Sackatoga Stable has attracted attention with its quirky approach, visiting Funny Cide’s races by embarking on a whimsical school bus trip, showing their unwavering support for their beloved champion.
How did Funny Cide die?
Funny Cide, the famous racehorse who made history by winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 2003, unfortunately fell short of the coveted Triple Crown when he finished third in the Belmont Stakes. A remarkable achievement, Funny Cide became the first New York-bred horse and the first gelding in 74 years to win the Kentucky Derby.
Its owners, a close-knit group of 10 friends from upstate New York, gained attention for their signature tradition of traveling to the races in a colorful yellow school bus, winning the hearts of fans far and wide. On July 16, 2023, at the age of 23, Funny Cide succumbed to complications stemming from colic, a severe digestive disorder that can be fatal for horses.
The Kentucky Horse Park, his beloved home since his retirement in 2007, served as the backdrop for his final moments. As a testament to his lasting legacy, Funny Cide was laid to rest in the esteemed Hall of Champions inside the park, where he won visitors over the years after racing. Affectionately remembered as the “daring gelding”, his unparalleled courage and captivating charisma endeared him to countless fans.
Cide’s ridiculous Kentucky Derby triumph was an incredible turnaround, defying the odds as a long shot at 12-1. His remarkable journey continued with a stunning victory in the Preakness Stakes, but the elusive Triple Crown eluded him when he secured a respectable third-place finish in the Belmont Stakes.
Despite narrowly missing out on the Triple Crown crown, Funny Cide’s unwavering spirit and unwavering determination endeared him to his legions of fans. Known for his tenacious style and relentless driving, he consistently attracted large crowds of enthusiasts, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the world of horse racing. The legacy he leaves behind is courage, perseverance and an indomitable spirit that will forever echo in the hearts of those who witnessed his incredible feats.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education