Funny Cide

Book on CD read by Dan Cashman
3.5***

In 2003 an unlikely horse, from an unlikely stable owned by a group of high-school buddies won the Kentucky Derby and captured the hearts of America. This is his story.

I like horse racing, though I admit that I watch few races other than the Triple Crown ones. I’ve read more than a few biographies of jockeys and of famous horses. I was as caught up as anyone in Funny Cide’s Triple Crown saga, and as broken hearted when he was beat during that final leg at the Belmont.

Jenkins does a good job of weaving together the various stories behind the horse: the original breeder, the owners who carefully and gently broke him to saddle, the trainer who recognized his potential, the group of high-school show more friends who wanted a fun way to still be a “team” despite their varied family and work responsibilities, and the jockey who immediately felt the potential in this unlikely mount.

I particularly liked the way she wrote the build-up to the Derby and Funny Cide’s amazing win there. I felt the excitement all over again. The only thing missing was a mint julep.

Dan Cashman does a fine job narrating the audio. He sets a good pace and his narration of the race scenes was top notch. show less

Funny Cide won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness in 2003. He was the first gelding and NY-bred horse to win. He was owned by a group of friends from Sackets Harbor, NY who arrived at the Derby in a yellow school bus. He was considered a 'people's horse' with a middle of the road thoroughbred pedigree and working men owners. The book provides background on the owners, trainer, and jockey and follows Funny Cide from the stable where he was born and the farm where he was broke to his purchase by Sackatoga Stables and his training for the Derby. It ends with a few races in 2004. It was an entertaining read and had a sort of local connection, Sackets Harbor not being far from where I live.