🐎😒 Legendary Racehorse, Funny Cide, Calls it Quits, Leaves Legacy and a Question: How Do We Remember Our Equine Heroes? πŸ†πŸŒΉ

TL;DR: The charismatic 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes champ, Funny Cide, known for his epic, albeit unfinished, run for the Triple Crown, has bid adieu to the world. He spent his golden years soaking up the love at the Kentucky Horse Park. Cause of death: complications from colic. πŸŽ πŸ’”

Ah, Funny Cide. Remember that name? The horse that nearly clinched the Triple Crown back in 2003? πŸŽπŸ‘‘ Of course you do! Well, dear reader, brace yourself. Funny Cide, the celebrity racehorse, has raced his last.

Twenty long years after he made the world hold its collective breath as he galloped towards Triple Crown glory, Funny Cide has galloped into the sunset for the final time. The charmer was enjoying a well-deserved retirement at the Kentucky Horse Park, when colic decided to play the spoiler and bring the curtain down on an era.πŸ˜”πŸ’«

Now, let’s take a trot down memory lane, shall we? πŸžοΈπŸ•°οΈ Funny Cide wasn’t just any racehorse. No, sir. He was the “Gutsy Gelding” that sent a shockwave through the horse racing world in 2003 when he won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, two out of the three prestigious races that make up the Triple Crown. He was THIS close to being crowned, but alas! Destiny had other plans.πŸŒˆπŸ‘‘

Funny Cide’s retirement was spent in Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park, where he spent his days in equine bliss, away from the thunderous applause, the tense anticipation, and the unforgiving competition of his heyday. There, he was a star not for his racing exploits but for his affability, as he spent his days visiting with fans who came from far and wide to see him. πŸŒ³πŸ΄πŸ’–

Funny Cide’s death raises an intriguing question, one that we often forget to ask. As lovers of sports, how do we remember and honor our non-human athletes? πŸ€” We build statues and name stadiums after our human sports stars, but what about those champions born with hooves instead of feet, who give their all on the racetrack for our entertainment? πŸŽπŸ’­

In the end, Funny Cide was more than just a horse. He was a symbol of hope, a beacon of possibility, and a testament to the unpredictable beauty of horse racing. His spirit will continue to race in the hearts of horse racing enthusiasts around the world.πŸŒπŸ’«πŸŽ

But here’s the kicker: in the face of such incredible contributions from our equine companions, do we do enough to remember, honor, and care for them in their retirement and beyond?πŸ€·β€β™€οΈπŸŒΊ Are the clover-filled pastures of retirement homes enough of a tribute to these true champions? Let’s hear your thoughts! πŸ΄πŸ’•πŸ‘‡