funny cicide, 2003 The Kentucky Derby and winner of the Preakness Stakes, died over the weekend, the gelding’s owners announced on social media. He was 23 years old.
Funny Cide, who became a fan favorite when he became the 30th horse to win the first two stages of the Triple Crown in 2003, died Sunday of complications from colic, Sackatoga Stable confirmed in a tweet.
Jenny Leslie carries Funny Cide out of his stall for a swim at Kentucky Horse Park on May 3, 2023. Funny Cide won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness races in 2003. (Michael Swensen for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
«We are heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of Funny Cide this morning. What a journey The Gutsy Castrado took us to win [the] Kentucky Derby and Preakness betting. We are very grateful to Kentucky Horse Park for providing our boy with a wonderful retirement. To say he will be missed is an understatement.»
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According to BloodHorse, the horse earned more than $3.5 million in 38 races and then retired in 2008.
«Funny Cide, you meant a lot to not only my family but also the racing community,» former jockey José Santos Jr, who won the Preakness in 2003, wrote on Twitter. «You will be remembered by most for your courage, determination, will to win and be the champion that no one could have expected.
Jose Santos in action, winning the 2003 Kentucky Derby aboard the Funny Cide at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. (Bill Frakes/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
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«To me, you will be remembered for the moments you gave to our family. You are a member of the family to me. I took a lot of comfort knowing that if I was having a bad day, I could get in the car and drive an hour to come see «. you. It hurts me to know that I have 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 put into words. I love you funny.»
Funny Cide lost the last leg of the Triple Crown by finishing third in the Belmont Stakes.
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Funny Cide walks out of the barn to bathe at Belmont Race Track in Elmont, New York on June 5, 2003. (DON EMMERT/AFP via Getty Images)
Funny Cide has been cared for at the Kentucky Horse Park for 15 years and will be cremated and buried there, according to BloodHorse.