“A True Champion”: Equestrian Park Pays Tribute to Renowned Horse With a Heartwarming Announcement

The equestrian world boasts excitement at its peak when the equines race through to touch the finish line. Behind them, the jockey-trainer duo spends their days and nights to put up a hit show. Now, if the well-nourished equines, whom they treat as their own children, meet a tragic fate, it’s tough. However, if the equine had lived his life to the fullest, they celebrate. One such equine, who passed away earlier this year, got eulogized in a unique way.

Funny Cide, the legendary winner of 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness, died earlier this year. The Kentucky House Park, where the ‘born to race’ horse resided, announced the news on its social media accounts. Moreover, the Park also plans another event to commemorate the legend.

Equestrian Park’s kind move

A memorial service was scheduled last week for Funny Cide, the iconic Kentucky Horse Park’s most popular tenant, who passed away on July 16, 2023. At the age of 23, after facing complications from colic, the equine left the world mourning. Since 2008, the winner of the 2003 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) spent his post-retirement years at the Park’s Hall of Champions barn. On Sunday, October 8, close ones gathered to cherish the illustrious life of the “Gusty Gelding.” Admirers, staff members, and Jack Knowlton, owner of Funny Cide and operating manager of Sackatoga Stable, announced a heartwarming news.

In the near future, they would put up a statue of the victorious horse in his memory. Park’s President Lee Carter said, “Funny Cide was a true champion.” He further added, “Adding this statue allows us to continue to share the story about the Gutsy Gelding with future generations.” Lee’s statements assert that to inspire the budding equines, there’s no one better than Cide.

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Besides the world mourning his death, equestrian enthusiasts are also celebrating his wins.

Cide’s historic wins

Not having broad stature didn’t stop Funny to clinch the well-deserved victory. At the 2003 Kentucky Derby, where the greatest are made, the feisty chestnut made an entry. Before that, he never witnessed such a big race, therefore landing himself 12-1 odds. But as the May morning gates flung open at Churchill Downs, Cide knew no bounds. Funny Cide prevailed. The equine’s owners, a team of high school friends, had decided on adopting horse racing as a hobby. Hailing from the little village of Sackets Harbor in northern New York, the group left the ground in disbelief. They had just experienced a moment that would forever change their lives. Shortly after, the Preakness Stakes win established Funny Cide as the undefeatable.

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Starting his journey as a Derby winner to getting buried beside the equestrian greats, the legendary horse had lived a long life.