Funny Cide Cause Of Death, What Happened To Funny Cide? How Did Funny Cide Die?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Jul 17, 2023
Funny Cide
Funny Cide was a beloved American thoroughbred racehorse who won the hearts of racing enthusiasts all over the world with his impressive achievements on the tracks. He was born in 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 achieve this feat in over 100 years. Just two weeks later, he won the Preakness Stakes, becoming the first New York-bred horse to win this race in 135 years.
The following year, Funny Cide went on to win several other prestigious races, including the Jockey Club Gold Cup and the Empire Classic Handicap. During his career, he won over $3.5 million in prize money and retired as one of the most successful racehorses of his generation.
In addition to his impressive record on the track, Funny Cide was known for his fun-loving personality and his love of peppermints. His success and personality endeared him to racing fans all across the world, and he remains a beloved figure in the sport of horse racing to this day.
After his retirement in 2007, Funny Cide went on to lead a comfortable life as a retired racehorse, enjoying his time on the farm with his caretakers. However, on July 16, 2023, Funny Cide died due to complications of colic at the age of 23, leaving behind a legacy and fond memories in the hearts of racing enthusiasts.
Funny Cide Cause Of Death
Funny Cide, the renowned New York-bred racehorse who captured the hearts of fans worldwide, has passed away at the age of 23. His untimely demise, caused by complications of colic, leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary achievements in the world of horse racing.
Colic, a prevalent and potentially fatal condition in horses, brought an unexpected end to Funny Cide's vibrant life. Known for his health and excellent care, his departure comes as a shock to many who admired his remarkable athleticism.
Born in 2000 and expertly trained by Barclay Tagg, Funny Cide, a spirited gelding sired by Distorted Humor, brought together a close-knit group of 10 friends from upstate New York who formed Sackatoga Stable, his devoted owners.
Funny Cide's victory in the 2003 Kentucky Derby stunned the racing community, as he triumphed as a 12-1 longshot. He continued his winning streak by conquering the Preakness Stakes, although his third-place finish in the Belmont Stakes narrowly denied him the coveted Triple Crown title.
Despite missing out on the Triple Crown, Funny Cide garnered immense adoration from fans worldwide. Renowned for his tenacious style and unwavering determination, he drew large crowds to witness his exhilarating races.
The news of Funny Cide's passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and condolences from racing enthusiasts and admirers alike. His memorable victories and vibrant personality have 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, solidifying his place as one of the most celebrated and beloved horses of recent times.
What Happened To Funny Cide?
Funny Cide, affectionately known as the "Gutsy Gelding," has left an indelible mark on the hearts of racing enthusiasts as the remarkable winner of the 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Regrettably, the legendary thoroughbred succumbed to complications of colic at the age of 23.
Kentucky Horse Park, the tranquil haven where Funny Cide spent his final 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, both confirmed the devastating news.
In a heartfelt tweet, the stable expressed their profound sorrow, acknowledging the incredible journey that "The Gutsy Gelding" had taken them on, and their gratitude to Kentucky Horse Park for providing him with a cherished retirement. Funny Cide's absence leaves an immeasurable void, as words fail to capture the depth of their loss.
Throughout his illustrious career, Funny Cide achieved 11 victories in 38 starts, amassing an impressive earnings total of $3,529,412. As an undefeated 2-year-old, his remarkable potential was evident. While facing initial setbacks the following year, his final race before the Kentucky Derby showcased his prowess, finishing just a half-length behind the highly favored Empire Maker in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, New York.
Under the guidance of trainer Barclay Tagg, Funny Cide defied expectations and secured his place in racing history with a stunning triumph at the Kentucky Derby, besting Empire Maker by a remarkable 1 1/2 lengths at odds of nearly 13-1.
As the first-ever New York-bred horse to claim victory in the prestigious event, he captivated the world. Just two weeks later, jockey Jose Santos and Funny Cide astounded spectators once again with a resounding 10-length triumph in the Preakness Stakes, edging closer to the elusive Triple Crown.
However, on a fateful, rain-soaked day in New York City, 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-place finish, approximately five lengths behind the victor. The disappointment was palpable, but Funny Cide's extraordinary journey had already left an indelible mark on the annals of horse racing.
Sackatoga Stable garnered attention for their distinctive approach, attending Funny Cide's races by embarking on a whimsical journey aboard a school bus, showcasing their unwavering support for their beloved champion.
How Did Funny Cide Die?
Funny Cide, the renowned racehorse who etched his name in history by triumphing in the 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, sadly fell short of claiming 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 conquer the Kentucky Derby.
His owners, a close-knit group of 10 friends from upstate New York, garnered attention for their distinctive tradition of journeying to the races aboard a vibrant yellow school bus, capturing the hearts of fans far and wide. On July 16, 2023, at the age of 23, Funny Cide succumbed to complications arising from colic, a severe digestive disorder that can prove fatal for horses.
The Kentucky Horse Park, his cherished home since retiring in 2007, served as the backdrop for his final moments. As a testament to his enduring legacy, Funny Cide was laid to rest at the esteemed Hall of Champions within the park, where he had captivated visitors throughout his post-racing years. Fondly remembered as a "gutsy gelding," his incomparable bravery and captivating charisma endeared him to countless admirers.
Funny Cide's triumph in the Kentucky Derby was an astonishing upset, defying the odds as a longshot at 12-1. His remarkable journey continued with a resounding victory in the Preakness Stakes, but the elusive Triple Crown slipped from his grasp when he secured a respectable third-place finish in the Belmont Stakes.
Despite narrowly missing the crowning glory of the Triple Crown, Funny Cide's unwavering spirit and unyielding determination endeared him to legions of fans. Renowned for his tenacious style and relentless drive, he consistently attracted large crowds of enthusiasts, solidifying his status as a beloved figure in the world of horse racing. The legacy he leaves behind is one of courage, perseverance, and an indomitable spirit that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who witnessed his extraordinary feats.
Funny Cide Cause Of Death - FAQs
Funny Cide's cause of death was complications of colic, a digestive disorder common in horses.
Funny Cide died at the age of 23.
Funny Cide passed away at the Kentucky Horse Park, where he had been living since his retirement.
Yes, Funny Cide was laid to rest at the Kentucky Horse Park's Hall of Champions, a place where he had been a popular attraction.
Funny Cide had been residing at the Kentucky Horse Park since his retirement in 2007, marking 16 years at the park.