Former Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Funny Cide died Sunday from colic he was 23.
Funny Cide won two-thirds of the triple crown back in 2003.
Funny Cide competed until 2008, winning 11 races overall and raking in more than $3.5 million in career earnings.
Sackatoga Stable, who owned the horse, released this statement:
“We are so grateful to Kentucky Horse Park for giving our guy a wonderful retirement. To say we will miss him, is an understatement.”
Jose Santos Jr., the son of Funny Cide’s jockey Jose Santos, also released a statement.
“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, Funny.”
{TMZ Sports, NJ.com}
About Stacey Mickles
Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.