The Maryland Thoroughbred Hall of Fame is poised to announce its 2014 class — its second ever.

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With just one class of inductees, there are still numerous good Maryland-breds waiting their turn.

Over the next few days, we at The Racing Biz will revisit a few of the moments from the 2013 induction.  Over on the right, check out our interview with Mike Pons and Ellen Pons.  Mike and his brother Josh, Ellen’s husband, co-own Country Life Farm, where Cigar was foaled.

Tom Durkin called him “the incomparable, invincible, unbeatable Cigar.”  To Mike and Ellen, though, he was “a horse that would imprint your heart.”

CIGAR FACTBOOK

  • Race record: 33-19-4-5, earnings of $9,999,815
  • Career highlights: Two-time Horse of the Year (1995-1996), National Hall of Fame 2002, 16-race winning streak 1994-1996, 11-time Grade One winner
  • Pedigree: Palace Music-Solar Slew, by Seattle Slew, bred in Maryland by Allen E. Paulson
  • For more information: Cigar page at the Maryland Thoroughbred Hall of Fame