Wild Eyed & Wicked Laid to Rest
Monday, July 11, 2005
by Susan Harris
In an uplifting, poignant, and even humorous ceremony, WGC CH Wild Eyed & Wicked was laid to rest on Sunday, July 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Joining such equine luminaries as Thoroughbreds Forego and Bold Forbes, Standardbred pacers Cam Fella and Rambling Willie, and fellow World Grand Champion Five-Gaited Saddlebreds Skywatch and Imperator, “Wicked’s” grave site is along a walkway next to the Hall of Champions.
John Nicholson, Executive Director of the KY Horse Park, welcomed the crowd of 400 to the Hall of Champions Pavilion by saying that they were in the “presence of greatness” and that it is only fitting for a champion like CH Wild Eyed & Wicked to be buried at the “greatest horse park in the world” so that “thousands and millions will know what he represented.”
Tandy Patrick, Chair of the KHP Commission, stated, “Great horses like Wicked will always live on in the memories of those who see them, and even those who don’t.”
The Rev. John C. White, Hopewell Presbyterian Church, introduced a bit of levity before moving on to more spiritual remarks by saying, “This is the first time for me to speak at the funeral of a horse,” (laughter), and “on top of that… a horse named… Wicked.” (more laughter)
Walt Robertson, a past KHP Commission Chair, listed all the illustrious Saddlebred champions who had resided at the Hall of Champions including current resident CH Gypsy Supreme. He said that the Park had hoped Wicked would reside there after his retirement, but that the KY Horse Park is proud and honored that the Jacksons chose to allow the KHP to be Wicked’s final resting place.
Robertson then unveiled the bronze relief grave marker, created by Sally Jackson, to the applause of the crowd. The placing of the grave marker was accompanied by Bagpiper Will Young playing My Old Kentucky Home.
After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed an old fashioned ice cream social, most welcome in the heat of the day. In addition to make-your-own sundaes, “Wicked Cookies” were provided by Susie Quick.
 
A Wicked Night (reprinted from the program)
By Donna Moore
Way over in Kentucky,
Where Wild-Eyed was born,
Sworn by the nation to outdo a storm.
His feet were like lightning,
His eyes were like fire,
He’s the big horse they all would admire.
When the horse show opened, and they rode
Through the gate, it became apparent the crowd
Could hardly wait.
These great horses they fluttered,
These great horses they flew,
But Wild Eyed & Wicked was set on the blue.
He bowed to give thanks when they gave him
The crown. Now everyone knows,
He’s the toast of the town.
He’s the World Grand Champion, this is true.
The crowd loves you Wicked for all you do.
 
Sally and Joe Jackson Tandy Patrick, John Nicholson,
and Walter Patrick
 
CH Wild Eyed & Wicked Display Ice Cream Social
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