By: Tristan Chow

Have you ever heard of Funny Cide, the unknown horse who nearly won the Triple Crown? If you have, I have some sad news. Funny Cide died this week at the age of 23. Don’t be sad that he passed, but smile that he lived. Let’s explore and learn more about his extraordinary life.

In 2003, Funny Cide was entered into the Kentucky Derby. Yet he was faced with 12-1 odds, if that wasn’t a longshot, I don’t know what is. Many people didn’t have hope because a New York state-bred horse had never won a big race such as this one. But, when the gates opened, one of his co-workers stated that he couldn’t believe his eyes as Funny Cide was in the front. They were extremely shocked that Funny Cide was able to take home the win because it was just a group of friends that had a thought to buy a horse. From that day forward Funny Cide and his co-owner’s lives changed.

At first, many people believed Funny Cide was just lucky to win his first race, yet he quickly proved them wrong. Two weeks later at the Preakness Stakes, Funny Cide won again, dominating the rest of the horses by almost 10 lengths. That was a staggering amount for a new horse, and no one had expected it. In the end, Funny Cide wasn’t able to win the Triple Crown, but he still won his owners over 3.5 million dollars. His owners stated, “Funny Cide just loved to run.” It was truly shocking to the rest of the world as he beat the odds many times showing the world that anything was possible.

Funny Cide may not be here anymore, but his legacy will last forever.