Few sports fans ever have the privilege of watching a world-class trainer cultivate a champion athlete—and even fewer fans have the opportunity to witness the development of an elite animal athlete. The transformation of Cigar from a horse that showed modest turf ability to one that developed into a legend on dirt illustrates how critical a trainer’s role can be in our sport. The transformation of Cigar from a horse that showed modest turf ability to one that developed into a legend on dirt illustrates how critical a trainer’s role can be.
Tag: Legends
Underappreciated Racing Legends of the 1970s: Chris Evert, Susan’s Girl, and Wajima
The 1970s could be called another Golden Age in racing much like the 1940s, a decade awash in legends.
1992 Horse of the Year A.P. Indy: Destined for Greatness
A.P. Indy was seemingly born to greatness. He was sired by Seattle Slew, a Triple Crown winner. His successful dam (mother), Weekend Surprise, was no surprise because she was sired by Secretariat, another Triple Crown champion. Ambitious owners will pay massive sums for such regal bloodlines, so it was no shock that Japanese owner Tomonori Tsurumaki went to $2.9 million before the auctioneer’s hammer fell at Keeneland’s July yearling sale in 1990.
Breeders’ Cup Fantastic Finishes: A Nail-Biter of a Coronation
Bricks and Mortar had vaulted into the Horse of the Year debate with five wins in as many starts in 2019 entering the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park. The Longines Turf, which usually lures a robust, powerful international contingent, drew four European invaders but lacked the star power of 2018 winner Enable, leaving Bricks and Mortar a true standout for the 1 ½-mile race.
