The Incomparable Cigar

[PerfectSoul]

Steve Haskin's excellent tribute to the great Cigar can be read here.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse...r-stories.aspx

A couple years ago one of our posters said you could purchase a video of the MSG tribute - does anyone remember or know how to acquire it? Truly, Cigar is one of my all time favorite thoroughbreds. His 95 BC Classic chokes me up every time I watch it.

[Ballerina]

I bought my CIGAR Madison Square Garden Memorial DVD here (guy has a gazillion other DVD's)

http://www.horseracingdvd.com/index.php?p=home

[Flanders]

My most prized racing photo is Cigar winning the Donn H. signed by Allen Paulson.

[PerfectSoul]

Thanks Ballerina. I have to look into getting a copy!

[Ballerina]

Thanks Ballerina. I have to look into getting a copy!

You're welcome.

Specifically, it's this one -

http://www.horseracingdvd.com/index....listing&lid=33

which also includes his Dubai World Cup win and some bonus footage at the end.

[Native Diver]

Thanks for posting this! Cigar was so amazing. Thanks for the link to the dvd; I am definitely including it on my wish list in my letter to Santa this year!

[Ezariah]

This is SO weird Ballerina. I came here to ask if anyone knew where a person could get a tape of this as a FB friend posted on my wall asking me and I did not know of a source. Thank you very much!

I bought my CIGAR Madison Square Garden Memorial DVD here (guy has a gazillion other DVD's)

http://www.horseracingdvd.com/index.php?p=home

[Ballerina]

This is SO weird Ballerina. I came here to ask if anyone knew where a person could get a tape of this as a FB friend posted on my wall asking me and I did not know of a source. Thank you very much!

Coinkydink, for sure. It's a great DVD. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed in it.

Actually, my most prized CIGAR memorabilia is a replica of the truck that transported him to MSG. It's signed by Jerry Bailey and Bill Mott and has a large lock of CIGAR's mane inside the trailer.

LOVE that horse. I loved going to visit him at the Hall of Champions when Cathy Roby was alive. She'd let me give him special treats and love on him. He wasn't too patient with the lovey part, but he sure liked to eat. He can hear the rustle of a peppermint wrapper from 20 yards away.

[serenassong]

Coinkydink, for sure. It's a great DVD. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed in it.

Actually, my most prized CIGAR memorabilia is a replica of the truck that transported him to MSG. It's signed by Jerry Bailey and Bill Mott and has a large lock of CIGAR's mane inside the trailer.

LOVE that horse. I loved going to visit him at the Hall of Champions when Cathy Roby was alive. She'd let me give him special treats and love on him. He wasn't too patient with the lovey part, but he sure liked to eat. He can hear the rustle of a peppermint wrapper from 20 yards away.

I actually was driving next to the trailer on 684 in NY once, it was very exciting. Couldn't really see anything inside, and not sure if they were going to the garden or not. They were headed in that direction, and I do think it was about that time of year.

Did get to spend some one-on-one time with him at the horse park, and was allowed to scratch behind his ear, which, apparently, he only lets very few people do. It was an incredible moment for me. The only other thing that ever beat this was being within eyeshot of Seattle Slew as he grazed contently.

[GinTalking]

I wonder if there aren't some copyright issues with many/all of those DVDs ... the complete 2011 televised Breeders' Cup without the commercials for starters? I wouldn't think one could sell something like that without the permission of ABC/ESPN or whoever it was who showed the races.

[PerfectSoul]

I bought the video and can't wait to get it!

[PJMIII]

Steve Haskin's excellent tribute to the great Cigar can be read here.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse...r-stories.aspx

A couple years ago one of our posters said you could purchase a video of the MSG tribute - does anyone remember or know how to acquire it? Truly, Cigar is one of my all time favorite thoroughbreds. His 95 BC Classic chokes me up every time I watch it.

I just got around to reading Haskin's column. Great story. Thanks so much for sharing it.

[seahawkgal]

I traveled twice to see Cigar race live. The first was in Chicago when he won his 16 consecutive race. I will never forget it. I was on the rail right by the finish line. The second time I went to Woodbine only to see him lose(admirably though). Since then I have visited Cigar quite a few times at the KHP. The souvenirs I have are a lock of his hair and so many photos. The best thing though are the memories. I said it then, and I will back it up now; We will never see a season of racing like that again(high level dominance-that's why his win streak holds weight to me).

[RIPBarbaro]

My first introduction into horse racing was that of the champ Cigar. I was truly in 'awe' of his performances and his will to win. His 95 BCC race is one of my all time favorites. It wasn't until recently that I found out Cigar and I share the same birthday (it's my claim to greatness) and I always mention it when I speak about Cigar.

I travelled to KY Horse Park last year primarily to visit him. It was very cold and rainy that day and only a few people in attendance. I got choked up when they showed some of his races knowing that he would make his appearance shortly afterwards. The manager that day allowed me a photo with Cigar, gave me a photo of him signed by his owners, Bailey and Mott and a lock of hair. One of the greatest days of my life.

[PerfectSoul]

His 95 BCC race is one of my all time favorites.

Mine too. I love how pixxed he is that those horses are in front of him but his grudging willingness to be rated.

Those big-hearted horses will get'cha every time. Even hard core jockeys who claim never to get attached to their mounts. From a 2006 Joe Drape's column on Jerry Bailey's retirement...

"One race and one horse - Cigar - touched Bailey and his career deeply. He was clearly choked up yesterday when recalling the horse that he guided through all but the first of 16 straight victories from 1994 to 1996, a streak that tied Citation for the longest in North America. He credited Cigar with transforming him from a jockey enthralled with competition into a connoisseur of great horses.

"I came to love horses when I got on Cigar," he said. "He was the most genuine, charismatic horse I think I've ever been on in my life."

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/19/sp.../19racing.html

[mdh888]

A little off the subject but was the reason for his infertility ever disclosed or ever known??

[Rumbo]

A little off the subject but was the reason for his infertility ever disclosed or ever known??

I believe he was pumped up with roids which can cause fertility.

[Ballerina]

I believe he was pumped up with roids which can cause fertility.

I wish it did.

[Rumbo]

I wish it did.

Sorry. Meant infertility.

[PerfectSoul]

Just found this newly posted video of Cigar holding off Soul of the Matter to win the 1996 inaugural Dubai World Cup in 1996. Plenty of videos of this race are out there, but this version gives viewers a chance to witness Cigar's professionalism both before and after the race. Lovely shots of the horse throughout. Great commentary/race call.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpfTbfxBNe8

(Video starts with a review of Cigar's BC Classic win, then continues to coverage of Dubai WC starting gate)