Have Another Cigar

re: Have Another Cigar

Don — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:23:28 GMT

If Cigar and Curlin's winnings were both converted into present day dollars, Cigar would still be the alltime money winner, I believe.

re: Have Another Cigar

Karen in Texas — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 21:41:07 GMT

In 1995 we flew to New York to see Cigar, Serena's Song and many others in that Breeders' Cup. What was really interesting about Cigar was that he entered the saddling paddock quietly and with his head down. As he was being saddled, his head came up and his ears forward. By the time Jerry started him into the tunnel, he was "alive" with anticipation and was "dancing". Once on the track, he began to buck slightly, and there are many pictures of those few moments...My husband managed to capture this sequence on film. I still get out those pictures and remember that weekend. The atmosphere was just electrified!

re: Have Another Cigar

MIKE RELVA — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:00:42 GMT

ATTENTION:IM WITH YOU SHABAN:

IF YOU THINK FOR ONE SECOND THAT IF HOLY BULL WASN'T HURT IT WOULD HAVE CHANGED THE RESULT OF THAT RACE,THEN YOU ARE FOOLING YOURSELF,PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!

re: Have Another Cigar

Karen2 — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:36:53 GMT

I guess I should use my correct posting name when I post. I forgot the 2 in the last one.

Steve, I bet writing full books can be exasperating. But with all the great blogs you have written there has got to be a way to compile them into one great walk down memory lane. Any Publishers out there???? Could be worth their time.

re: Have Another Cigar

lmwithyoushaban — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 05:21:48 GMT

lm with you shaban l liked holy bull better and held a grudge to,still do to this day , rewind the time ,finish the race and holy bull wins spotting him ten pounds.There goes the legend of the great cigar!

re: Have Another Cigar

Steve Haskin — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:18:25 GMT

Thank you, Karen. I appreciate your comments and your request. For now, my book writing days are over. If I do write one it would be a children's book, perhaps on Canonero, but that is still in the talking stage with several parties. After six books, it's become a chore to write full-length books. If they want to publish any compilations that's fine with me. I'm enjoying writing the blogs and showing racing the way it used to be to young racing fans and also stirring the memories of those who were around to witness those horses and races. I've got Skip Away coming and then we'll head into the new year.

re: Have Another Cigar

Karen — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:08:21 GMT

I absolutely love all the people on this blog. Just to know that there are others out there who feel so deeply about these horses and this sport is so comforting to me.

Steve,

There is nothing left to say about you that hasn't already been said. You have been blessed with the gift and the best job in the world. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for sharing your gift with us. I do have a suggestion. Perhaps this has been asked of you before but wouldn't it be great to have a book made compiled of all your great memories and stories like this one and all the other great trips down memory lane? No one can write like you or tell a story the way you can. I would pay big bucks for a copy of it. Something I could place in my "thoroughbred" room and come back to time and time again and re-read all these great memories and share them with those in my life that don't quite understand my addiction to these horses. I have been printing out your blogs which is good to, but a book...... now that would be great!

re: Have Another Cigar

Blue Dawn — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:33:45 GMT

Thanks for another great entry, Steve! I especially appreciate being more well-acquainted with Cigar's amazing people through your words. Merry Christmas, and we're all looking forward to many more captivating stories in the coming year!

Kelly E.--"Cigar's Mom" reported the last times Cigar's fertility was tested as far as she knew--and he has indeed not been tested in the last two years, either. I believe that Generali (the insurance company) understands that--without trying to sound condescending--his case is pretty much hopeless. It's best to leave him be.

I don't want to sound like I'm advertising, but for those who would like to see more recent photos of Cigar in all his magnificence, a photographer who comes to the Horse Park often has captured many breathtaking shots. A few of them are sold at the Park's gift shop, and you can see many more at

www.pixbysteve.com

My favorite picture lately is of Cigar and Western Dreamer standing in their paddocks in the same pose, looking as if they're standing right beside each other. They are both keeping a watchful eye on the happenings at the Park, as if they have been hired as security guards! It's very cute.

Also check out a heart-stopping photo of Cigar rearing to his full height in his paddock. You'll love these pictures!

re: Have Another Cigar

The Deacon — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:38:04 GMT

Hey Mike, I am not an expert but in my mind Cigar beats Invasor at any distance. He did a little more, ran against much better competition and he had Jerry Bailey to help him along. You would be hard pressed to find horses Invasor beat being at the caliber of Skip Away and Holy Bull ust to name two. I know Invasor beat Bernadini in the Classic but I do not think Bernadini was a great horse. Just my opinion........

Merry Christmas to all.

re: Have Another Cigar

Steve Haskin — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:12:15 GMT

Regular Guy, there's nothing regular about you to me :) Thanks so much.

Mike, I'd love to answer your question, but I try never to pit two horses of different generations or say who was the better horse. I'm not into that or Top 10 or Top 100 lists. Let's just say each horse was capable of beating the other. How's that for a dodge?

re: Have Another Cigar

Vicki — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 06:00:25 GMT

I was fortunate enough to be at Woodbine in 1996 to see Cigar run in his last race. Watching him in the paddock was unbelieveable - he stopped & watched himself on the big teletron in the paddock several times. I've never seen a horse who KNEW he was that geat before or since. It was a moment I will never forget. Now at the KHP, he does a similar pose when he knows the camera is on him in his paddock - stops - gazes into the distance w/ the perfect regal pose. I go to see him every year at the KHP & still in awe. Tx Steve for all the stories.

re: Have Another Cigar

mike — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 04:18:34 GMT

Steve,

I know that Cigar and Invasor are two of your all-time favorite horses and are 1,2 on my favorite list. In a race at 1 1/4 with a fair pace what does your gut tell you would have won???

mike

re: Have Another Cigar

The Regular Guy — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:41:32 GMT

This marvelous piece of writing just proves Haskin is one of the best of our time. His eye for detail and appreciation of racing history is presented in such a wonderful manner. He is one of the last beat writers of our sport and needs to be appreciated for his hard work.

re: Have Another Cigar

Rami — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:25:02 GMT

Tell your readers to contact DIANE11820022@YAHOO.COM if they want the entire televised CIGAR MADISON SQUARE GARDEN FAREWELL broadcast...also has many other CIGAR documentaries and race compilations.

re: Have Another Cigar

Abbie Knowles — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:58:13 GMT

Seattle Slew, Cigar, A P Indy, Pulpit, Tapit, Vindication,Slew City Slew, Leestown, Golden Missile,

"Funny", Slewacide et al rule OK!!!!!

re: Have Another Cigar

Fred Montreal — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:15:39 GMT

I do not know where you find the time to write all these stories but we are all glad that you do. I enjoyed the comment on Curlin 'Close, but no Cigar'. In a recent conversation with a friend, I mentioned Cigar's sterility and he came back with a pretty good one too - 'As Freud said, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar'.

re: Have Another Cigar

Slewed'em — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:48:29 GMT

These stories are so awesome to hear. Please keep them coming. It's amazing to hear how Cigar touched his connections. Sometimes people get so caught up in the business that you never hear much about the ones who actually love the horses.

I will be making my first trip to the KHP this spring to see him. Do they let everyone feed him peppermints? That would probably make my year. I love watching his races on youtube. Still brings tears to my eyes. What a champion!

re: Have Another Cigar

Richie — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:32:53 GMT

I was a big Holy Bull fan so when he broke down in the Donn I didn't really care who had won but later on I couldn't get enough of Cigar. His trip around the country and the world while keeping his win streak intact was something we will probably never see again. I give sooo much credit to the late Alan Paulson for sending Cigar to so many tracks so that all his fans could go and see him. I will never forget watching his farewell appearance at Madison Square Garden-I think the only dry eye in the house was Cigar's.

As someone above said-if you haven't been to the KHP to visit him-you must go. You will be sooo glad that you did. Bring a camera and take lots of pics than select the best for a good wall hanger.

Thanks as always, Steve for a wonderful story on Cigar-you are just the best. Can't wait to read about Skippy-another fast forgotten horse since he hasn't had much success at stud. Also a very Merry Xmas to you and your family.

re: Have Another Cigar

Luvthehorses — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:54:53 GMT

Thank you so much again Mr. Haskin.

With tears in my eyes I read about the great Cigar. I only wish that I had been a fan at the time and could have seen him race. Don't know why it took me so long to find my way to this great sport or loving the horses. I am so glad that Barbaro brought me into this sport and have learned so much from reading all of your your articles and the comments that follow.

I hope to one day visit with Cigar and all of the horses at the KHP.

Thanks again -

re: Have Another Cigar

Bill — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:27:04 GMT

I think the thing that people tend to forget about this great horse is that he was bred for turf, not dirt, and he never really showed any talent on the grass. His ability on dirt, of course, is well known. Can't think of any other examples like this. I'm sure there are some. Maybe some of the readers can help me out?

re: Have Another Cigar

JOANNA — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:41:08 GMT

Your articles always make me cry...I get chills every time I watch the '95 Breeder's Cup and see him turn for home...I saw him at Woodbine and even in the post parade I knew he wouldn't win that day, he just had such a weary look about him but the white around his eye gave him such a wise look at the same time....Even after his loss the crowd still gave him a standing ovation when he came back

by, I remember being crushed by the crowd as we all surged towards the rail trying to get our last glimpse of him...and the kindness of Jerry Bailey who galloped him out close to the rail so our last glimpse would be as close to him as possible and even took him by the crowd one more time to give us one last extra peek...

re: Have Another Cigar

Pam R — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:54:20 GMT

Thank-you for your wonderful stories about Cigar. I have a video of the 1995 Breeder's Cup, and can't tell you how many times I have watched it. I get chills every time I watch Cigar run and hear Tom Durkin's great call during the race. I also have the Cigar Breyer and a book about him. I have not seen him yet at the KHP, but hope to soon. What he was able to do was truly amazing. Many horses today run in their whole career, half the races he won in a row. Racing won't see another like him for awhile. Curlin came close, but I would've needed to see him run a little longer before calling him as great as Cigar.

re: Have Another Cigar

Grandefan — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 07:48:01 GMT

I was fortunate enough to meet Cigar at KHP in 2006. Cigar has an amazing presence - you know you've met royalty when he looks at you, through you, and beyond you. He seems to enjoy holding court at the Hall of Champions and is a paparazzi's dream as he poses when he sees a camera and hears the shutters snapping. I particularly enjoy that he takes us in on his own terms. He's The King - a "Sinatra" - he does it His way. It seems fitting that he will not be "used" as a stud. It is as it should be, the one and only, the great Cigar will never be duplicated in any sense of the word. It is a privilege to have seen him run, to have felt his breath on my hand, and know that I have seen greatness. But most importantly, we can all have the experience right now at KHP. Go see a royal american - the incomparable, invincible Cigar!

re: Have Another Cigar

fanofallthree — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:24:51 GMT

I had seen CIGAR in his stall at Belmont in the fall of 1995. I was in awe but not as much as when I went to see him at KHP in late August 2000. I couldn't believe that I was going to get to touch this living legend. After the HOC show, Tammy Siters brought out CIGAR. I put my purse on the ground and I went to touch him but pulled back as I started to cry. I just thought I'd upset the poor horse if I approached him blubbering like a baby. He rolled the white of his eye to me, and in an instant he had his head in my purse, pulled out a roll of breath mints and had them down his gullet before Tammy could do a thing about it. CIGAR looked at me with a "Get a grip." look, and we all burst all laughing. I finally collected myself to get around to touching this icon.

I've touched him and fed him many times since. The hair on the back of my neck always stands at attention.

I'll be back to see you this April, CIGAR. Wishing my life away, but I can't wait.

re: Have Another Cigar

fanofallthree — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:13:16 GMT

Thanks, Steve. I love reading anything about my favorite retiree, CIGAR. I wax eloquent, as usual.