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
New Race at Far Hills Meet Honors Hall of Fame Steeplechaser McDynamo
Guy Torsilieri, the chairman of the Far Hills race meet in New Jersey, remembers the first time he saw McDynamo in person. The then-4-year-old gelding had just picked up his first steeplechase victory, taking a maiden special weight race by 4 ½ lengths at Far Hills on Oct. 20, 2001. Torsilieri was impressed.
Cody’s Wish: Making Dreams Come True at Breeders’ Cup
Once upon a time, there was a boy and a horse, and together, they made magic happen. The bond between humans and horses is a timeless one, brought to life on the page and screen through Alec and the Black Stallion or Velvet and the Pie. Each brings out something special in the other, that connection helping them realize the best in themselves.
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.
