To have cheated in one of the most emblematic of all events known to mankind, such as the Kentucky Derby would have brought untold damage to a sport already suffering the times.

And yet here we have a case that draw parallels with the 1947 sightings at Roswell !

I have looked at about 100 photos on the Internet regarding the "Funny Cide" incident. Indeed there is only one photo that suggests anything, that being the original one that has caused all this stir taken by Jamie Squire of Getty Images (see above). I am afraid to say that it looks like there has been a strange co-incidence of timing and light that has produced the resulting "offending" photo.

In my opinion, in all the other photos available to date on the Internet, there is not one shred of evidence to suggest anything in the slightest bit untoward.

So let's put this to bed and let the winning connections celebrate a great victory and turn a leaf over this sorry chapter.

I thank the following web sites, for publishing these photos and should you wish to scrutinise the evidence for yourself, click on the following links:

http--images.usatoday.com-sports-gallery-129thderby-2003-05-03-celebration.jpg

http--www.courier-journal.com-cjsports-news2003-05-04derby-finish1.jpg

http--redding.com-images-photos-20030504sppro036a.jpg

http--mas.scripps.com-MCA-2003-05-04-0504s4derby-2_e.jpg

http--seattletimes.nwsource.com-ABPub-403124101.jpg

http--seattletimes.nwsource.com-ABPub-403124083.jpg

http--www.horsephotos.com-WaterMarkphotoID=10777

http--www.horsephotos.com-WaterMarkphotoID=10743

http--www.horsephotos.com-WaterMarkphotoID=10720

http--www.horsephotos.com-WaterMarkphotoID=10710