Funny Cide, the first New York-bred to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, who captured the hearts and imagination of millions worldwide in his pursuit of the 2003 Triple Crown, will be celebrated with a retirement party of a lifetime on Friday, August 10, at Saratoga Race Course.

The Sackatoga Stable gelding, who was foaled just furlongs away from Saratoga Race Course, will receive a retirement send-off at his hometown racetrack that will feature a party for fans in the backyard; a poster giveaway and autograph signing by Hall of Fame jockey Jose Santos; a post parade appearance by the 2003 Eclipse Award winner on the main track; a Rolex watch giveaway; and even a unique ice cream flavor named after the fan favorite Thoroughbred.

Presented by the New York Racing Association and by the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing Program, the highlight of the day’s activities will be Funny Cide’s first public appearance since owner Jack Knowlton and trainer Barclay Tagg announced his retirement just prior to the start of the 2007 Saratoga race meeting. The seven-year-old gelding, who earned more than $3.5 million, was retired shortly after winning the final race of his career, fittingly on July 4, for this American hero and icon of American racing.

“Funny Cide was a galvanizing force for both the sport’s most devoted fans and for the casual observer,” said NYRA President and CEO Charlie Hayward. “Just like Seabiscuit who helped rekindle America’s passion for horse racing, Funny Cide reignited America’s love affair with the game. We are proud to host him and his connections, including Jack Knowlton and Sackatoga Stable, trainer Barclay Tagg and Hall of Fame jockey Jose Santos, on this most memorable day.”

The day’s activities will commence as fans enter the gates when they will receive a limited edition, commemorative Funny Cide retirement poster, free with paid admission while supplies last, courtesy of the Daily Racing Form. The poster is a caricature of Funny Cide relaxing in a lawn chair, chomping on a cigar and sporting a summer beverage, while the iconic yellow school bus that became the symbol of the Sackatoga Stable ownership group, sits parked in the background.

Members of Sackatoga Stable and Funny Cide’s jockey, Jose Santos, will autograph copies of the poster in front of the Silks room; donations will be accepted to benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

Funny Cide’s collection of hardware from his victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Jockey Club Gold Cup will be on display near the Silks room, courtesy of Sackatoga Stable and WinStar Farm, which bred the future Thoroughbred champion.

Additionally fans will have the opportunity to sign an oversized “best wishes” card near the Silks room, which will also be available on track in the days leading up to Funny Cide’s big sendoff.

Funny Cide will be paraded on track and serenaded by fans in a group rendition of the Bette Midler song, “Wind Beneath My Wings” featuring the popular lyrics, “Did You Ever Know That You’re My Hero.” The post parade will be heralded by a special “Call to the Post” by Sammy the Bugler, specifically tailored to meet Funny Cide’s eclectic musical tastes.

Funny Cide will then be led to the winner’s circle after his eponymous race, where he will receive a classic retirement gift: an oversized Rolex watch, courtesy of N. Fox Jewelers; however this classic time piece will come with an edible twist as Funny Cide enjoys a “timely” afternoon meal al fresco in front of thousands of his closest friends.

In addition to presenting Funny Cide with his edible, equine timepiece, N. Fox Jewelers is donating a Rolex watch, which will be raffled off on Funny Cide day. Raffle tickets will be available for $5 each and can be purchased at a number of outlets on track prior to, and on Funny Cide day, including locations staffed by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, the NYS Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing Program and the NY Breeders. Additionally, N. Fox Jewelers will be selling raffle tickets at its Broadway store in downtown Saratoga Springs. All proceeds will benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

Throughout the day fans can enjoy highlights of Funny Cide’s career aired on the track’s giant video screens. The highlights will include flashbacks to Funny Cide’s signature victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Jockey Club Gold Cup and many more.

Stewart’s Shops will provide a cool way to celebrate as they give Funny Cide fans a taste of their specially made Funny Cide Pride ice cream. Fans can purchase the ice-cream all day on track with proceeds benefiting the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

The day’s festivities will culminate with a retirement party held at the Big Red Spring following the races. Rock band Blue Hand Luke will kick off the party with music from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Fans can purchase food and beverages while celebrating Funny Cide’s remarkable career. All proceeds from the sale of Budweiser beer will benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

Funny Cide Day is supported by Stewart’s Shops, Budweiser, Rolex and N.Fox Jewelers, The Daily Racing Form, and Centerplate.

The 2007 Saratoga meet runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 3. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. on weekends, 11 a.m. on weekdays (and 1 p.m. Friday, August 31, Sunset Racing). First post time is 1 p.m. with the exception of Travers Day, Saturday, August 25, with first post at 12:45 p.m. and on August 31 with first post at 2:45 p.m. There is no racing at Saratoga on Tuesdays.