Cigar, winner of record-tying 16 straight, dies

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Cigar, the two-time Horse of the Year whose 16-race winning streak matched one of racing’s greatest achievements, died. He was 24.

A release from Kentucky Horse Park said that Cigar died Tuesday night at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital from complications following surgery for severe osteoarthritis in his neck. Cigar won 19 of 33 starts and earned nearly $10 million, but was best known for his incredible run of wins that made him the first horse to tie the record set by the legendary Citation.

An allowance victory at Aqueduct in October 1994 began the Maryland-bred’s famed run that included 1995 wins in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Hollywood Gold Cup and Pimlico Special. He was Horse of the Year in 1995 and 1996.

Jockey Jerry Bailey was aboard Cigar for the final 15 in the streak and said Wednesday of his mount, “he was the best of his generation and certainly the best horse I ever rode.”

Pac-12 Football

Officiating coordinator resigns

Tony Corrente, Pac-12 coordinator of football officiating, resigned Tuesday citing personal and professional reasons, and Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott has appointed Jim Blackwood as interim coordinator, the conference said Wednesday.

Blackwood’s officiating career includes more than two decades as a college conference coordinator and 10 years as an NFL instant replay official. He was previously serving as the Instant Replay Supervisor under Corrente.

“Under Tony’s leadership, our program made great strides in improving the quality, accountability and consistency,” Scott said in a news release. “While it’s unfortunate that Tony has decided to leave us at this time, I want to express my appreciation for his contribution, and for leaving our officiating program strong and headed in the right direction.”

Blackwood will serve as interim coordinator for the remainder of the season and the Pac-12 will begin a search for a permanent replacement after the season.

Gymnastics

US women win gold at worlds

NANNING, China — World all-around champion Simone Biles led the United States to the gold medal in the women’s team event at the gymnastics world championships on Wednesday.

The U.S. finished with a total of 179.280 points to defend the title it won at the 2011 worlds in Tokyo.

Host China was second with 172.587, followed by 2010 champion Russia with 171.462.

As the last gymnast of the competition, Biles needed just an 8.683 on the floor to take the team gold medal and tumbled and pranced to a score of 15.375.

“Overall today, it went really well for every single girl that competed,” Biles said.

Kyla Ross, who scored a 13.966 on the floor exercise, has been nursing a hip injury, but was able to perform well in all four events for the U.S. team that also included MyKayla Skinner, Alyssa Baumann, Madison Kocian and Ashton Locklear.

Miscellaneous

Soccer coach, players suspended after teen duct-taped to goalpost

NATRONA HEIGHTS, Pa. — A Pennsylvania high school soccer coach and two players have been suspended for at least five days after an autistic teammate told police the two teens duct-taped him to a goalpost. Austin Babinsack, 16, told Harrison Township police he was left taped to the goal for 15 to 20 minutes Sunday evening before passersby heard his screams and freed him. The Highlands School District, about 20 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, issued a statement saying coach Jim Turner, who was not present at the time, and two 17-year-old players identified by Babinsack have been suspended.

• A New Jersey youth football coach who authorities say was attacked by a player’s father after a game last weekend has been suspended by the organization that oversees the league. The Asbury Park Press reports American Youth Football officials suspended the 45-year-old coach, saying he used obscene language to berate about 25 players.

• The Pima College volleyball team picked up its fifth straight win with a four-set victory over visiting Phoenix College on Wednesday night. Game scores were 25-18, 25-17, 26-28, 25-23. The Aztecs are 11-10 overall and 6-4 in the ACCAC.

• The Pima College women’s soccer team moved up one spot to No. 8 in the NJCAA poll released Wednesday. Pima (9-2-2) will travel to Chandler-Gilbert tonight at 7.