Associated Press via ESPN

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Funny Cide was close to staying home for the Kentucky Derby. It's a good thing his trainer had a change of heart.

Funny Cide had the last laugh Saturday, rolling to victory in the Derby and becoming the first horse bred in New York to win America's greatest race with an upset of favorite Empire Maker.

With the surprising win, Funny Cide became the first gelding since Clyde Van Dusen in 1929 to win the Derby. Since then, 74 geldings tried and failed. Not this one.

A race horse epitomizes rugged elegance by exemplifiing pure strength, fearlessness, grace, determination and beauty. Having once felt the rare connection of one's body working in sync with other beings in a crew race, I can only imagine what the winning horse and jockey felt like today as they ran the race of their lives. Congratulations Jose Santos, Funny Cide and all those who helped make this dream a reality.

- Jennifer
8:48:50 PM