A public memorial service for Thoroughbred champion Cigar was held Nov. 14 at the Kentucky Horse Park's Hall of Champions.

Cigar, who resided at the Lexington horse park for about 15 years, died Oct. 7 at age 24 due to complications following surgery for severe osteoarthritis in his neck.

Videos of Cigar's races, as well as related news stories, played in the Hall of Champions throughout the day, and a memorial guestbook was available for fans to sign and leave comments.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is leading efforts to raise funds to commission a bronze statue memorializing Cigar, with plans to unveil the statue during the week before the Breeders' Cup World Championships in 2015. Keeneland Race Course, also in Lexington, will host the championships for the first time