Sunday, July 15, 2007

Funny Cide Retired

Warms the cockles to hear of a great horse like Funny Cide being honorably retired. His story is most interesting, but even more so is the story of his group of owners, Sackatoga Stables. Funny Cide has his own website which describes in short outline form his career and connections. I suggest a very interesting read by Sally Jenkins, et al, Funny Cide: How a Horse, a Trainer, a Jockey and a Bunch of High School Buddies Took on the Sheiks and Bluebloods...and won.

Michael has suggested to potential investors who'd like to get their feet wet to familiarize themselves with the Sackatoga Stables story. Pooling your money with a some friends, no one gets too hurt on losses and the fun factor remains high.

In 2003, the year Funny Cide won the Kentucky Derby, Michael and I strolled upon Funny Cide's own gift shop in Saratoga Springs, New York. Oh, there was every imaginable piece of merchandise from t-shirts to clocks proudly displaying the chestnut's images. We bought a six-pack of Funny Cide beer and gave a few bottles to friends for souvenirs. One bottle still holds a place on our bookshelf. Talk about marketing.

Barclay Tagg stated that Funny Cide will become a stable pony. Now I know Robin Smullins is a good horsewoman, but I wish them both luck with that endeavor. First of all, don't let him near the gate, especially if the bell will be in use. Secondly, don't use him to break off workers, he'll be determined to breeze right along with them, maybe even out-working them.

1 comment:

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