Legendary horse trainer Bobby Frankel called Empire Maker "the best horse he ever trained." Empire Maker's Belmont Stakes victory - the first for Frankel in a Triple Crown event - derailed Funny Cide's attempt at the Triple Crown. The stud thoroughbred earlier had beaten Funny Cide in the Wood Memorial Stakes (gr. I). His other grade I win came in the Florida Derby by 9 3/4 lengths. Empire Maker retired with four wins and four placings from eight starts and earnings of $1,985,800, proving himself as a successful stallion as well, producing the likes of Champion Royal Delta, Bodemeister, Pioneer of the Nile and Grace Hall. This purple cloth with white lettering and Breeders' Cup logo was worn by Empire Maker during workouts leading up to the 2003 Breeders' Cup Classic.