Updated April 11, 1998

 

Happy Birthday to Cigar (April 18, 1998)

Click on the link beside each picture to see a larger photo of Cigar. Click here to see the previous series of Shedrow pictures, 1995 - A Year of Perfection.

In 1996, Cigar finally filtered into the non-racing public with win after win. Receiving the title of Horse of the World after he won the inaugural 1996 Dubai World Cup, fans flocked to see him. Thousands attended a public workout at Saratoga, and tens of thousands packed race tracks no matter where Cigar was racing... even after his loss... people just couldn't get enough of the "invincible" Cigar! Blowing Smoke Gerard Guenther gallops Cigar at Woodbine, Friday a.m., October 25, 1996.

Winner's Circle - Win #16 Cigar in the winner's circle following the Arlington Citation Challenge, July 13, 1996.

Lucky #10 The number 10 was significant in Cigar's campaign. He wore it in the Breeders' Cup Classic of 1995 and in the Arlington Citation Challenge in 1996. Both races were standouts for him.

On the Muscle Going to the paddock at Suffolk Downs, June 1, 1996.

The Second Coming Finish of the Mass Cap (win #15 in a row), "The Second Coming", June 1, 1996.

The Calm Before The Second Coming Bill Mott leads Cigar and Tim Jones off the track at Suffolk Downs the morning of the Mass Cap, June 1, 1996.

Cigar at the Madison Square Garden tribute, November 2, 1996. Farewell Like No Other Thousands of horse fans showed up to send off Cigar in dramatic fashion. For the first time in history, a race horse was retired at a world-famous horse show. As the band play and the announcer spoke, Cigar walked around the arena bathed in spotlight and acting like a perfect gentlemen. It was difficult to find a dry eye in the place as Cigar exited the building, officially ending his career as a race horse.

All photos © L. A. Williams