WINNER’S CIRCLE

the first New York bred to win the Kentucky Derby, being foaled at McMahon’s Thoroughbred Farm here in Saratoga. His owners were also locally based - going by the name Sackatoga Stable, led thoughtfully by Jack Knowlton.

The ownership group showed little pretention and travelled together to and from his races in a rented school bus. The eschewing of the conspicuous consumption that winners often succumb to resonated with fans. His plebian connections contrasted with those of his main rival - Empire Maker. The little guy competing with and besting the privileged opponents reminded many of why racing is so fascinating. His connections obliged the desire of fans to see him by running him often and making him widely accessible. Even the attempts to market Funny Cide items such as beer, hats, shirts etc. was done gently and with good humor rather than exploitation.

As a gelding, there was no breeding shed for him to run off to and he competed in races until age seven. His retirement to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington Kentucky allowed fans to continue to visit him in retirement and he made numerous appearances at tracks throughout the years.

The wistful feeling his passing evokes is one of good sportsmanship, good humor, humility from winners, a sense of limitless possibility for underdogs and generosity of one’s time and luck. In a sport where winning often brings out the worst in people (no need to name them but there are many) the Funny Cide crew remained a good story from beginning to end. As a bettor who was beaten by Funny Cide more often than I care to admit (I was a big Empire Maker fan) I salute him and has connections as representing racing at its best. Cheers.