FUNNY CIDE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT

FARMINGTON, N.Y. – A crowd of 11,429 fans, the largest in over 30 years, watched as Funny Cide won the 31st renewal of the $100,000 Wadsworth Memorial Handicap at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack on Wednesday.

The 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner was rated off a moderate pace set by Johnie Bye Night, and at one point was five lengths behind the leader. He then responded to the urging of Alan Garcia to overtake that rival and win by three lengths.

"Alan is a very patient jockey. Two words that describe him are Patience and Perseverence," said assistant trainer Robin Smullen after the race. Funny Cide finished the one mile and one-eighth stakes race for 3-year-olds and up in a time of 1:51.77.

Sackatoga Stable, the owners of the "Gutsy Gelding" were all on hand greeting fans and signing autographs as part of the Independence Day festivities at Finger Lakes. "This gave him an opportunity to show his stuff in front of a hometown crowd," said Jack Knowlton, one of the six original owners.

Johnie Bye Night had a win streak snapped after finishing second to the crowd favorite. The Charlton Baker-trainee had won four consecutive stakes races at Finger Lakes including last year’s running of the Wadsworth.

Funny Cide notched his eleventh career victory and visited the winners circle for the first time in over a year. The post time choice, who now has a total of $3,529,412 in lifetime earnings, paid $4.00, $2.60, and $2.20. Johnie Bye Night faded to be second and returned $3.20 and $3.00. Tiger Speech was third and paid $4.40.

The official attendance of 11,429 is believed to be the third highest in the 46-year history of Finger Lakes. The last time a comparable crowd assembled was in 1978 when 11,030 came out to see jockey Steve Cauthen, who had just guided Affirmed to win the Triple Crown.

The next two stakes races at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack are scheduled for Saturday, July 14. The $150,000 New York Derby and the $50,000 Niagara Stakes will both take place that day.