Breaking records

Most around horse racing have some idea who Citation and Cigar are. The 'ladies' of the sport are often overlooked somewhat. Cigar was incredibly close to breaking the all time consecutive races but stood with Citation at 16. The easy running, powerful Cigar left many good horses in his wake, unable to touch him. Cigar's determination carried him to victory on his own and swept to the front easily. Cigar hald the record for money earning and consecutive wins for many years. On September 27, Curlin passed Cigar's money record. Cigar showed time and time again the heart of a fighter. Cigar was one of four horses - Citation, Ferdinand and Hallowed Dreams, that shared the record of 16 consecutive wins.

Fewer people know Pepper's Pride. A New Mexico bred filly by Desert God, she came up to races twice this year and had no race due to weather. With 16 wins and 161 days layoff, the Joel Marr trainee got a race in a six furlong alloweance. Close to the pace she took the lead leaving the far turn and shook off all comers for a 1-3/4 length nail in the record books. The time was 1:10.1 over a fast track. The five year old has won 12 stakes of the 17, is unbeaten with wins from 5-1/2 furlongs to a mile.

While she might be discredited for not having run at the level of competition of Citation or Cigar or Personal Ensign - and it's true she's not taking on all challenges - she is raced obviously where she does her best. To the team behind her - and the heart of a five year old mare who just likes to run - that is an accomplishment.