Memorial for Cigar to be held Nov. 14

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — A memorial service will be held on Nov. 14 for Cigar, the two-time Horse of the Year whose 16-race winning streak matched one of racing’s greatest achievements.

Cigar died last month at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington from complications following surgery for severe osteoarthritis in his neck.

The Kentucky Horse Park says first lady Jane Beshear will give a tribute to the horse during the public memorial service. The horse was buried at the park near the paddock he occupied for 15 years.

Meanwhile, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is trying to raise enough funds to commission a bronze statue of Cigar with plans to unveil it next year.

Cigar was enshrined in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2002.

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Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader, http://www.kentucky.com

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