The year was 2003 and a “Breaking News” alert was scrolling across the bottom of the screen that said jockey Jose Santos was being accused of using an illegal device to win the Derby aboard Funny Cide.

My jaw dropped to the floor as I turned up the volume in total disbelief.

The sportscasters finished the previous story and a replay of Funny Cide’s victory began playing.
As they told the story of the accusations, I just shook my head and waved my hand in denial at the screen.

Working in the sports business, we’re constantly disappointed by the actions of star athletes, but this was different. This was Jose Santos, a guy we all knew and respected from the New York racing circuit.

He had just won the biggest race of his life. I remember interviewing him after the race and he was all smiles. There was so much enthusiasm and gratitude in his voice, you couldn’t help but like the guy, as we New York writers all did long before the Run for the Roses.

Of course, the accusations were complete bogus and Jose would go on to ride Funny Cide to victory in the Preakness Stakes.

This Monday, Santos will be inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame along with fellow rider John Sellers, trainers Henry Forrest, Frank McCabe and John Veitch and the horses Mom’s Command, Silver Charm and Swoon’s Son.

It’s a deserving honor for a guy who came from humble beginnings in Chile to become one of the game’s greatest jockeys.

The ceremony at the Hall of Fame  will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion. It is open to the public free of charge. Make sure you get over there and applaud one of racing’s really good guys.