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Throughout the racing year of 1995, Cigar started and won 10 races in a row. These races included the Donn Handicap, Gulfstream Park Handicap, Oaklawn Handicap, Mass Cap, Hollywood Gold Cup, Woodward, Jockey Club Gold Cup and the Breeders' Cup Classic. Even with such a record, he was virtually unheard of to the general public since he did not start in a Triple Crown race. The Breeders' Cup launched the beginning of Cigar mania. Take a look back with us. Fonda Albertrani brings Cigar back from a morning gallop at Belmont, October 1995. |
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Cigar provides a magnificent profile as he stares into the distance at Belmont Park. |
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Post parade for the Breeders' Cup, October 28, 1995. Jerry Bailey is aboard Cigar as the duo prepare for the biggest race of Cigar's career to date. There were many questions to be answered on this day. Cigar appeared to not appreciate a wet surface in his last race, and this track had come up very wet. No horse had finished a racing season undefeated with at least 10 starts, since Spectacular Bid in 1980. As soon as Cigar left the gate, it was clear that he meant business... winning the race in a dramatic fashion that won't soon be forgotten. |
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Cigar is led back to the stable area after his dramatic win in the Classic. The track came up very wet after four inches of rain poured on the city of New York in a 24-hour period. Cigar came out of the race, carrying a few mud clods on his face as momentos. |
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The Breeders' Cup flowers are truly beautifully designed and are proudly displayed here outside Mott's barn after Cigar finished the season with a 10 for 10 record. |
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Bill Mott grazes Cigar the morning following the Breeders' Cup race. He and Mr. Paulson (owner of Cigar) were gracious enough to keep Cigar in training another year--something that is virtually unheard of in this age of racing. The fans of the sport were rewarded with another brilliant (although not perfect) season by the Dream Team - Cigar, Mott and Jerry Bailey. |
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All photos © L. A. Williams
