Cigar memorialized at Kentucky Horse Park

Here lies the “unconquerable, invincible, unbeatable” Cigar (Courtesy of Kentucky Horse Park via Facebook/Twitter) Fans gathered at the Kentucky Horse Park Friday to pay tribute to Hall of Famer Cigar, who died October 7 at the age of 24. The two-time Horse of the Year, and erstwhile richest North American Thoroughbred, was honored in a memorial service highlighted by remarks from his caretakers. Cigar’s grave lies just outside the Horse Park’s “Hall of Champions,” where he had spent his days since 1999. A banner, emblazoned with the words “Remembering Cigar: 1990-2014,” and featuring a pair of photos of the legend in his prime and in retirement, festooned the Hall’s entrance. Another banner was displayed on the fence by his resting place. Surrounded by shrubs in the shape of a horseshoe, his grave is marked by a stone, and the floral arrangements left by his devoted fans. The feeling was mutual, according to Robin Bush, a groom at the Hall. “Cigar loved being around people, especially people who loved him,” Bush said. “Cigar defined greatness for a generation,” said Wes Lanter, the Hall’s barn manager.

Lanter’s comments were laced with gratitude.

“Of course the fans, thank you for all the flowers and cards. Racing fans are
special. Mostly though, we thank Cigar…for showing us class and greatness
embodied in a magnificent Thoroughbred.”

“It is our honor and privilege to have known you and for a short time to have
walked in your light,” Lanter said.

Retired Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron spoke with his characteristic
humor. Alluding to the fact that he guided Cigar in two races during his
sophomore season at Del Mar — when he was racing on turf for original trainer
Alex Hassinger Jr. — McCarron offered a memorable line.

“Rode Cigar when he was still a cigarette,” the fellow Hall of Famer quipped.

Cigar would only reach the peak of his powers as an older horse, after new
trainer Bill Mott switched him to the dirt. The rest was literally history, as
Cigar compiled a 16-race winning streak including such lucrative events as the
1995 Breeders’ Cup Classic and the inaugural Dubai World Cup in 1996. He retired
with a mark of 33-19-4-5 and a then-North American record $9,999,815 in
earnings.

The epitaph on Cigar’s tombstone — “unconquerable, invincible, unbeatable”
— enshrines the words of longtime track announcer Tom Durkin, who called
Cigar’s Classic victory that crowned a perfect 10-for-10 season. That phrase is
often cited as one of the recently-retired Durkin’s most memorable race calls.
Engraved on the minds of fans ever since, it is now chiseled in stone.