Jack Knowlton and his merry band of yellow bus riders, better known as Sackatoga Stable, had the time of their lives 20 years ago when their New York-bred gelding Funny Cide took them on one of coolest quests for a Triple Crown in history.
Trained by the curmudgeonly but lovable Barclay Tagg, and ridden by Jose Santos, the combination of horse, owner, trainer, and jockey formed a quartet that turned Funny Cide into one of racing’s most beloved racehorses.
On Sunday, 2003 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1) winner Funny Cide died of complications from colic at the Kentucky Horse Park. He was 23 and had been living at the park for 15 years.
“We are heartbroken at the news of Funny Cide’s passing this morning,’’ Sackatoga Stables said on its Twitter account. “What a ride The Gutsy Gelding took us on winning the Kentucky Derby & Preakness Stakes. We are so grateful to the Kentucky Horse Park for giving our guy a wonderful retirement. To say we will miss him is an understatement.”
Funny Cide was purchased privately for $75,000 as a 2-year-old by the Sackatoga Stable, a bunch of upstate New York guys who banded together to create a small stable. Unbeaten in three starts as a 2-year-old, Funny Cide ran fifth in the Holy Bull (G3), second in the Louisiana Derby (G2), and second in the Wood Memorial (G1).
While Tagg was a bit reluctant to bring Funny Cide to the Derby, he did so anyway. Funny Cide not only won the Derby, he romped home to victory by nearly 10 lengths in the Preakness two weeks later.
Back home in New York for the Belmont Stakes (G1), and with yellow buses filled with Funny Cide fans traveling to the track that packed in a near-record 101,000 patrons, Funny Cide almost pulled off the sweep. He led most of the way, was overtaken by Empire Maker, fought back a bit in the stretch but faded to third.
A son of Distorted Humor, Funny Cide continued racing until 2007 and earned more than $3.5 million with a career record of 38-11-6-8.
Funny Cide was a three-time New York champion at 2, 3, and as an older horse. He was the New York champion Horse of the Year from 2002-2004.
Santos, a Hall of Famer and a jockey agent these days, also took to Twitter: “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 family member to me. I felt so much comfort knowing if I was having a bad day I could get in the car to drive an hour to come see you. It hurts to know I’ve lost that, but I will never lose the memories you gave me, as well as the love I have for you. Fly high champion. You mean more to me than I can ever put into words. I love you.”
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
