Funny Cide has settled into his new home at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. He became the second Kentucky Derby winner and champion to move in in just over a month, joining Alysheba.
Funny Cide, a 9 year old gelding, owned by Sackatoga Stable (ten buddies from upstate New York) and trained by Barclay Tagg, made headlines in his previous retirement serving as Tagg's stable pony. People were thrilled to meet the former Kentucky Derby winner and delighted to see him in his second career.
Funny Cide's age and recurring bouts of stiffness prompted Tagg to decide it was time to give him the retirement he deserved.
In many ways, Funny Cide was the epitome of the "people's horse." He was owned by guys who each contributed $5,000 to buy horses and they traveled to the Derby in a school bus--the only vehicle large and cheap enough to accommodate their large group. They paid $22,000 for Funny Cide as a yearling. The horse went on to win not only the Kentucky Derby but also the Preakness before coming in third in the Belmont.
Joe McGinnis has written an excellent book called The Big Horse that takes place the summer after Funny Cide's Triple Crown bid. Of particular note are the Funny Cide shops that appeared in Saratoga that summer, selling every conceivable type of Funny Cide merchandise.
Over his six racing seasons, Funny Cide earned $3,529,412 and was named champion 3-year old male of 2003. Jack Knowlton, managing partner of Sackatoga Stable was at the Horse Park to greet Funny Cide when he arrived on December 5.
"He represents hope for the little guy," he told the crowd. "Also racing needs more horses like him who fans can enjoy after their Triple Crown season. He was a huge fan favorite because he ran as long as he did--into his 7-year old season--and because he was an underdog. We still get emails and letters from his fans everywhere."
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