(Edited press release)
The New York Racing Association announced March 19 that Hill 'n' Dale Farms will continue to sponsor the Hill 'n' Dale Cigar Mile Handicap (gr. I) through 2010.
"We're very enthusiastic about sponsorship of the Hill 'n' Dale Cigar Mile," said John G. Sikura, president of Hill 'n' Dale Farms. "The one-mile distance is so significant to breeders, and the race is perfectly positioned on the racing calendar to attract Breeders' Cup runners in search of Eclipse honors."
Past winners of the Cigar Mile include Forty Niner (1988), Rubiano (1991), Cigar (1994), El Corredor (2000), and Congaree (2002 and 2003). Last year, Shadwell Stable's Daaher upset 2007 champion, Midnight Lute.
"Hill 'n' Dale Farms has been a great partner and we're so pleased they've extended their sponsorship of one of our top races for another three years," NYRA president and CEO Charles Hayward said.
The $300,000 Cigar Mile will run at Aqueduct Nov. 29.