The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

fanofallthree — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 03:35:07 GMT

Marilyn, thanks for heads up about Steve Byk not liking CIGAR. I never knew this. I'll have to bust his chops about it the next time I see him in TOGA. It's truly amazing the strong likes and dislikes people form about horses.

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

barb — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:46:20 GMT

I would like to add my thanks to Steve for this great post. Unlike most of the recent horses you've written about I have abundant memories of Cigar and count him as one of my faves(with 1 photo and a commemorative poster from Del Mar of him on the living room walls...glad to see I'm not alone there!) and he is certainly the best I have seen. After his Mass Cap win Dave Johnson said to "let this racehorse burn in your memory" because we won't see another one like him and he does burn in my memory. Glad to see he's still burning with all of you too.

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

Blue Dawn — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 21:53:19 GMT

Steve,

I'm very much looking forward to part 2 of your Cigar tales! Few people, I'm sure, could bring to life in writing his personality as adeptly as you. He's such a ham and loves to entertain so much, on top of his regality--I'm sure you'll be able to treat all who don't know his character deeply to an up-close and personal revelation of it!

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

Marilyn — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 21:33:49 GMT

I forgot to add to my last comment; Are you aware that Steve Byk really can't stand Cigar? he o absolutey disses this horse everytime he hears the name Cigar; Mr. Byk's voice becomes filled with anger when he is forced to discuss cigar and it drives me crazy; for the record I like Steve Byk and I very much like when you are on his show but his dislike of Cigar is puzzling; he simply feels that Cigar was overrated and didn't beat any horses that were worth". perhaps you could address this with him when you are on his show. Many thanks for your love of the thoroughbred expressed poetically through words.

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

Marilyn — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:59:35 GMT

Thank you so much Steve for sharing your experiences of being around one of the greatest race horses of our time; Cigar remains my favorite horse; he is the horse that got me interested in horse racing; reading about his personality and his winning one race after the other; and then of course there is his wonderful name: Cigar. You are so fortunate to have been so close to him and his connections. However, there is a tinge of sadness that remains to this day because Cigar will never be able to pass on his wonderful pedigree, his durability, stamina, determination and heart to offspring. Thanks again.

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

Abbie Knowles — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 17:44:01 GMT

Dear Mr Haskin,

Thanks so very much for the brilliant article you wrote about CIGAR. He is one of my joint second favourite horses, by a nose, just behind his grandfather SEATTLE SLEW!!!!! The others in joint second place are DAHLIA, SEA PIGEON, THE MINSTREL, NIJINSKY, CAPTAIN CHRISTY, GRAND CANYON (NZ), TINGLE CREEK, DUBAI MILLENIUM AND A.P. INDY!!!!!

I am glad i am not the only one who misplaces things!

Bill Mott, Allen Paulson and Jerry Bailey signed a photograph of Cigar winning The Woodward Stakes and Bill Mott sent it to me; it is one of my most treasured possessions!

Also my friend Jeremy Early went to the Dubai World Cup Cigar won and asked Jerry Bailey to sign the racecard for me which he did using the words, Abbie, all the best, Jerry Bailey and CIGAR!!!!! I treasure that very much too and know exactly where they both are!

I live in England but since falling in love with a picture of SEATTLE SLEW as a two year old I have been an avid follower of American racing.

In fact have just been through the card at Aqueduct today on the ATR website to see which of Seattle Slew's descendants are in action today. My favourites who are, are NUMAANY and MALIBU MOONSHINE!!!

CIGAR IS ONE A ZILLION AND I LOVE HIM SO MUCH! I love all horses but do have favourites.

Thanks for the memories my friends!

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

txhorsefan — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 15:57:38 GMT

After re-reading this wonderful story last night I decided to search around the internet for more. For those who are interested, Barbara Livingston's beautiful site has some fantastic photos of the mighty Cigar. Included are some of the scenes of this garden party Mr. Haskin has related to us. Great photos to go along with a great story.

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

Steve Haskin — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 08:52:22 GMT

You're all very kind with your comments. I appreciate every one. There is so much negativity in racing now and so many crises it's good once in a while to look back and focus on all that's great with the sport, with the hope that it can one day return to the way it was. We've had some extraordinary horses in this decade, too, but they don't stay around very long, and therefore are not given the chance to leave as indelible a mark as their predecessors did.

Blue Dawn, it's great that you're able to work with Cigar. That has to be extremely rewarding. I'm going to attempt to bring out some of that personality you mention in part 2.

NKYD, racing does need its stars. Perhaps an owner or two will read these stories and be encouraged to keep their big horses in training longer. I guess we need to hope for owners who are wealthy enough to say no to Sheikh Mohammend and other breeders.

Paseana, Allen Paulson was as classy as his horse and was the perfect owner for Cigar. He was nice to everyone and I never once heard him complain. And Madeleine was perfect for him. She truly loved the horses.

Gammy, I've got plenty on Forego, one of my all-time favorites, and I will get to him very soon.

Vicki, Durkin's call of the '95 Classic remains one of the great calls of all time. Needless to say, it was a lot of fun being back at the barn after that race.

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

Vicki — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 06:44:59 GMT

Tx for your wonderful insider stories. NOTHING makes me cry more than the '95 BC Classic watching Jerry & Cigar & listening to Tom Durkins call. I blubber EVERYTIME. (actually watching Secretariat's tape w/ the music does get me sniffling too). ahh. Tx Steve & count me in on the vote for part 2 of Cigar as well as the vote on many more historical blogs

I'm getting all the new books for Xmas (Sham, Matriarchs Vol II, Kelso etc) A good holiday is one w/ new racing stories, a good new Steve Haskin blog & all the mares/horses in the barn sain et sauf.

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

Runfast159 — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 06:15:13 GMT

As always, a wonderful and rich tale. As he does for many, Cigar holds a special place in my heart. For some reason, my husband was watching the race with me the day that I had been so disappointed about the loss of Holy Bull. And he watched Cigar's next race with me as well. This from a man who was never all that interested in the sport. Soon it became our most anticipated weekend event, waiting for Cigar to run! Together we experienced the incredible highs and lows (Del Mar) that come with the sport, and for that I will always be grateful. Cigar was a horse you couldn't help but get behind. Bill Mott won me over as a trainer. He is just pure class through and through. And the patience he and the Paulson's had with Cigar was admirable. Thanks again for the story, and I do hope more are on the way. Even though I have read Cigar, America's Horse, I'm sure you'll amaze me even more with your own personal stories.

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

gammyp6 — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 05:26:34 GMT

Thank you again Steve. I work all day with numbers and the numbers are way down here in Vegas. Sin City has become Sad City. I really needed an outlet for my stress and it came in the form of another cathartic story from SH. I cried it all out and now I'm ready to go to the Strip and help the economy recover. What have you got on Forego? He is one of my all time favs along with Cigar and John Henry...and the list goes on.

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

LyndaP31 — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 02:19:20 GMT

Wow, what a great story!!! I loved it! I am looking forward to part 2!!! This spring I am going to be going to the horse park to see Cigar. I saw him in February in his stall and I was in awe, even though I coudlnt see him so well, I am looking forward to seeing him in his field.

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

Paseana80 — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:54:26 GMT

Steve, I want to thank you, just like most everybody else, for this incredible story. But, personally, I want to thank you for sharing your experience with Allen and Madeleine Paulson. You gave me just a little window into the way Allen was as a person. He was and still is my idol. He always seemed a bit shy and uncomfortable in front of cameras in post-race interviews, so we never were able to get an idea of what he was really like.

I actually met him and shook his hand once myself at Del Mar (early 90's), and talk about star-struck! I just stood there and looked at him and couldn't remember the English language! LOL!

He came from nowhere....nobody in the industry had heard anything about him until maybe the late 70's, when he started getting active at Keeneland. In roughly 2 decades, he put a breeding program in place that is mind-boggling! Theatrical, Strawberry Road, Palace Music, and Jade Hunter......he didn't breed those stallions, but we see Paulson's fingerprints in and through them. He had a blueprint and he stuck to it. I think he's still the leading Breeders Cup breeder on the completion of 25 runnings of the event......about 8 years after his death. I don't know that I'm right on that, so please correct me if I'm not.

Claiborne, Calumet, and Darby Dan got to be where they were over generations, both human and equine. But Allen Paulson got to be where he was in about 30 years or so through a passion, a drive, and a love for the sport of horse racing.

Sorry for rambling on like this, but I'm so grateful to you for giving me a little vignette of what he was like. I really don't think there will ever be anyone like him.

And I still don't know how come there isn't a big stakes race named in his honor!

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

russell maiers — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:48:00 GMT

Yep, that was great Steve. His Dubai race was remarkable and so fantastic, what a horse!

As for the part when you determined if something bad happened you would be just a footnote, well I was picturing your thoughts and expression as I read, and then fell off my chair,rolled on the carpet laughing like a child. You made my day. Thankyou!

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

NEVERKICKYOURDOG — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:53:41 GMT

STEVE,

YOU ARE A VERY GOOD WRITER AND, OBVIOUSLY, ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT HORSES AND HORSE RACING.

ALSO, OBVIOUS, YOU ARE ABLE TO STIR UP THE EMOTIONS AND PASSIONS IN ALOT OF YOUR READERS(THE ONLY THINGS THAT BRING ME TO TEARS ARE "MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME" THE FIRST SATURDAY IN MAY AND "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE).

THE POINTS THAT I AM TRYING TO GET AT:

1. YOU NEED A MUCH WIDER READERSHIP; &

2. RACING NEEDS ITS STARS...CIGAR, HOLY BULL, SILKY SULLIVAN, DARK MIRAGE, RUFFIAN, DAMASCUS, DR. FAGER, AFFIRMED...........

"GO BABY GO" IS NOT THE ANSWER AND MARKETING DOLLARS ARE TIGHT. SO,IT IS TIME FOR SOMEONE TO STEP FORWARD BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE FOR RACING!

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

cwoodson — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:46:52 GMT

Steve Haskin- the writer that makes grown men cry! Thank you for sharing with us your stories and writing a Cigar Part 2. I can't wait to read it and tear up again!

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

Blue Dawn — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:16:16 GMT

Thank you for yet another incredible retelling of such memorable events, Steve! Working with Cigar every day, I always try my best to realize that this charismatic, breathtaking specimen truly is the horse who accomplished all of those stunning feats--but truth be told, I don't know if I can ever appreciate him enough. Actually working with him, understandably, makes you realize that in most ways he's simply a horse--he just wants to eat, sleep, frolic, and be entertained and receive attention. But I could never fail to be awed by his aura and his eagle eyes--witnessing one alert gaze into the distance or at a horse passing by will stop you in your tracks. I feel so privileged to work with such an amazing creature every day; your entry helps to further remind me why this horse and my job are so incredible!

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

Steve Haskin — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:17:20 GMT

Thank you, Alybar. I wrote a book on John Henry, and it contained an entire chapter on his days at the Ky. Horse Park. If the Blood-Horse still has any in stock, the 2000 Breeders' Cup souvenir magazine had a feature titled "A Day in the Life of Cigar," that had some sensational photographs of him at the Horse Park.

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

Steve Haskin — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:49:19 GMT

Deacon, the European horses can't run at the SA winter meet because they are no longer in training. Once they begin to lose their coat they are put away until the flat season re-opens in March. In Europe, racing from November to March basically is only for jumpers. As for Skip Away, he will get his due after part 2 of Cigar. Yes, that was some trio from 1994 to 1998.

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

alybar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:41:09 GMT

You have a special talent with words and horses. I love what you write. I am looking forward to many more stories from the other side. I wish you would write about John Henry and Cigar at the KHP.

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

joe — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:27:02 GMT

We need Steve Haskin with all of his color and love for the sport on Triple Crown televised coverage. And Cigar is a lovable ham; saw him being bathed at the horse park and he picked up the hose and played with it; 'got some great pictures!

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

The Deacon — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:10:57 GMT

Excellent article Steve on Cigar. He was obviously one of the best of his time. I still think Holy Bull was more versatle and had more raw ability. Skip Away was also a hard hitting fabulous handicap horse. The trio made for great racing back in the 1990's when the sport needed a shot in the arm. I remember being at Del Mar in 1996 watching Cigar lose in the Pacific Classic. Jerry Bailey got him beat that day. He engaged Siphon for the lead and ran out of gas allowing Dare and Go to win at about 40 to 1. Siphon had way too much speed and I felt Bailey never let Cigar relax. I felt the same way about Elliot aboard Smarty Jones in the Belmont Stakes. Just an error in judgement that cost two great race horses a place in history. Question Steve, if the European horses are so favorable to Santa Anita's Pro Ride surface why don't they run out here during the winter meet. You would think that they would be very successful based on the Breeders Cup experience.

Happy Holidays..............

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

Rami — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:34:50 GMT

check out this link for a dvd or vhs copy of Cigar's Madison Square Garden Farewell ceremony:

cgi.ebay.com/.../eBayISAPI.dll

E-bay Item #70286905655

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

DONNA — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:48:40 GMT

Will W., perhaps it's not the animals who are mere but the arrogant, egotistcal humans who inhabit this earth that are mere.

re: The Garden Party and Other Cigar Stories

SalemPoe — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:23:21 GMT

Now that was a sendoff worthy of a champion.