For the past 15 years, visitors to the Kentucky Horse Park have been greeted by a statuesque bay stallion with a very impressive resume. Cigar, whose accomplishments on the racetrack earned him legions of fans in the 1990s, died on Oct. 7 after undergoing surgery for severe osteoarthritis in his neck.
Cigar was undefeated during his five-year-old year in 1995, and was voted Horse of the Year and Champion Older Horse in 1995 and 1996. He was also voted Racehorse of the Decade for the 1990s. His notable wins include the inaugural Dubai World Cup in 1996, the 1995 Breeders’ Cup Classic and the 1994 NYRA Mile, which is now called the Cigar Mile in his honor.
The stallion retired after his six-year-old year with a ceremony at the National Horse Show, which was then held at Madison Square Garden in New York. The intention was to retire him to a lucrative stud career, but it was quickly revealed that he was infertile.
Cigar at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions. Photo: Leslie Potter
Cigar earned a cushy retirement at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions where he went to live in 1999. He spent his days posing for tourists, relaxing in his grassy paddock, and being honored several times each day during the Hall of Champions presentation.
Read more about Cigar at the Kentucky Horse Park’s website.
Leave your thoughts for Cigar on the Kentucky Horse Park’s Facebook Page.
Leslie Potter is the Senior Associate Web Editor for HorseChannel.com. Follow her on Twitter: @LeslieInLex
I just saw him this summer at the KY horse park. stunning horse.
I was so sad when I read this. I got to see him twice in the Hall of Champions show, which was awesome! This amazing horse will be missed 🙁
sad news I was fortunate enough to get to see him at KY horse parks hall of champions and could tell he was enjoying himself
So sad when a legend dies.
Such sad news and a terrible loss. He will always be remembered with love.
Loved watching him race. Rest in peace, pal.