Sale of Cigar

SALE OF CIGAR AN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIR

Like grandfather, like grandson. Cigar, 1995 Horse of the Year, probable 1996 Horse of the Year, and grandson of 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew has moved on to greener pastures, literally, after being purchased by an Irish and English company that deals worldwide in the marketing of stallions.

Owner Allen Paulson has announced the sale of a majority interest in the recently retired champion to Ashford Stud, the American division of the Coolmore Stud. Terms of the sale were not available, though it is believed to be in the neighborhood of $25 million.

John Magnier of the Coolmore Stud was understandably elated. "It is a great honor for Ashford to stand the best horse any of us can remember."

Cigar will now enjoy the good life and stand stud at Ashford, just up the road from Paulson's farm in Versailles, Kentucky. He will command a stud fee in the neighborhood of $75,000.