by Stacey Ruddick, Hoosier Hoofprints

Seymour, IN — Trainer Steve Brannan brought a 3-year-old Full Of Fun gelding with him to Hoosier Park this spring. His name is Funny Deacon. Unraced at 2 and plain to the eye, the horse would likely go unnoticed, except for one minor detail. He is a half-brother to Brannan’s top pacer, Rebelman p,5,1:50.2 ($258,095).

In his first qualifying attempt (March 28), the green pacer made a break at the start and was never a factor. The race was timed in 1:55.4, but Funny Deacon was charted as “distanced.”

A little over two weeks later, with Brannan driving again, he recorded a successful qualifier. Finishing third, his mile was timed in 1:59.4, with a final quarter of :28.4. The track was rated fast, however, a two second allowance was given on all times for the day.

Brannan then elected to start his trainee in a mini-series at Hoosier Park on April 25. For this event, he called on the services of driver Joe Essig, Jr., the regular pilot of Rebelman. Using a patient drive, Essig waited until the field reached the half to make his move. Funny Deacon prevailed by a neck at the wire, winning his first lifetime start in 1:57.2 on a track rated good. Perhaps more impressive was his final quarter time of :27.1.

While still victorious in the mini-series final one week later (May 2), Funny Deacon showed more versatility. He left from the six hole and was parked to the quarter in :26.3. He then took a short breather, but was back out by the three-quarter pole and had soon collared the leader. In the stretch, he used a kick often seen from his brother to extend the lead and win by nearly five lengths. The win established a new lifetime best time of 1:55.4.

Although he certainly has some big shoes to fill, Funny Deacon is off to a great start.

Congratulations to owners Steve Brannan and Frederick Shiery. Special recognition also goes to Nancie Brannan for all of her hard work and care for the horses in the Brannan Stable.

Both Rebelman and Funny Deacon are Indiana sired horses. With slots at the racetracks recently being passed by the Indiana legislature and soon to be signed into law by Governor Mitch Daniels, big things are in store for Indiana’s entire racing program.

For more information about racing in Indiana, visit www.hoosierhoofprints.com.