Kentucky Horse Park Remembers Funny Cide

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 16, 2023) – The Kentucky Horse Park held a memorial service last week for one of its most famous residents, Funny Cide, who passed away on July 16, 2023, at the age of 23. The 2003 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) winner lived out his retirement at the Park’s Hall of Champions barn since 2008. On Sunday, Oct. 8, fans, caretakers, and Jack Knowlton, Sackatoga Stable Operating Manager and Funny Cide’s Owner, gathered at the Park to commemorate the “Gutsy Gelding”.

During the event, the Kentucky Horse Park announced that a commemorative statue of the legendary Thoroughbred will be added to the Memorial Walk of Champions at the Park. “Funny Cide was a true champion,” said Lee Carter, Kentucky Horse Park President. “Adding this statue allows us to continue to share the story about the Gutsy Gelding with future generations.”  

“We are on to the next chapter. We’re going to work to have a statue that will be fitting for him,” said Jack Knowlton. A celebration of Funny Cide’s life, the Funny Cide Send-Off, was held at Siros Restaurant in Saratoga Springs on August 16. The event featured retired Race Caller Tom Durkin, Trainer Barclay Tagg, Assistant Trainer Robin Smullen, and Hall of Fame Jockey José Santos. The event raised $12,500, which marks the lead contribution towards the statue. Donations for the memorial statue can be made to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation online here.