Funny Cide's Derby Win Selected as NTRA "Moment of the Year"

The Kentucky Derby victory by Funny Cide has been voted the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Moment of the Year. Funny Cide's connections will be honored at the Eclipse Award Dinner on January 26 in Holly wood, Fla., with the "NTRA Moment of the Year" award. Balloting was conducted at the NTRA Web site and offered voters 10 different images illustrating a wide range of human emotions as well as outstanding displays of equine athleticism. All the images and events that fans could choose from can be seen here.

Funny Cide's winning "Moment" garnered 33% of the total votes. The Johar/High Chaparral dead heat in the John Deere Breeders' Cup Turf came in second with 22% of the votes. The opening of "Seabiscuit" checked in third with 9% of all ballots cast.

The first-ever "NTRA Moment of the Year" was the touching scene involving Charismatic and jockey Chris Antley following the 1999 Belmont Stakes. The following year's winner was the stretch run of the 2000 Breeders' Cup Classic, which saw Tiznow hold on for a dramatic victory against Giant's Causeway. Tiznow won again the following year as fans selected his stirring repeat victory in the Classic over Sakhee. Last year, fans cited the passing of the last living Triple Crown winner, Seattle Slew.

"The NTRA Moment of the Year gives fans a voice and sense of ownership at the Eclipse Awards," said Keith Chamblin, NTRA senior vice president-industry relations & marketing. "Funny Cide was obviously a crowd favorite throughout much of 2003, and we are proud to recognize the Funny Cide team on behalf of their fans."