[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 173 (Friday, November 3, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S16657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         A TRIBUTE TO BILL MOTT

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, I want to take a moment to pay tribute 
to Bill Mott, a South Dakotan who has become one of our Nation's truly 
great horse trainers. Last weekend, at Belmont Park in New York, a 
thoroughbred bay named Cigar won the finale of the Breeders' Cup 
Classics. The finale was Cigar's 12th straight track victory. With that 
victory, Cigar secured Horse of the Year honors, and is on track for 
even greater glory next year. Cigar could break the all-time record of 
16 consecutive track victories, which was done by the legendary 
Citation, and could surpass Alysheba as horse racing's all-time money 
winner.
  Of course, Cigar would not have achieved excellence on the track if 
it was not for the training excellence of Bill Mott. It was Bill who 
put Cigar on the path of greatness by switching the bay from grass 
racing to dirt. Though bred for grass, Cigar won only 1 race in 11 
starts on turf. Bill's move to dirt has moved Cigar to the ranks of the 
unbeaten.
  For Bill Mott, his success as a horse trainer is nothing less than a 
childhood dream come true. It was while he was in high school at Park 
Jefferson in South Dakota that Bill Mott began his career as a horse 
trainer. At the age of 16, Bill won the South Dakota Thoroughbred 
Futurity. After graduating high school, Bill left South Dakota to 
pursue his dream. Bill learned from many great trainers, including Bob 
Irwin, Jack Van Berg and D. Wayne Lukas. Now, young, aspiring trainers 
no doubt will be seeking Bill out.
  Today, Bill Mott is at the peak of his profession. Bill trains more 
than 100 horses across the country. Bill is the best because he knows 
how to bring out the best in the horses he trains. His record is proof: 
Last year, Bill's horses won 137 races; this year, his victory total 
reached 140.
  Bill Mott is an inspiration not just to aspiring horse trainers, but 
to all who set their sites to be the very best in their profession. I 
am sure all who know Bill Mott, especially his friends and family back 
home in South Dakota, are very proud of him. In fact, Bill's brother 
Rob, a pilot who lives in Mobridge, SD, just returned to our State 
after being with Bill during his latest achievements at the Breeders' 
Cup Classics.
  One of the best parts of my job is when I can speak of the great 
accomplishments of South Dakotans like Bill Mott. Through hard work and 
determination, Bill Mott is living a dream come true. My wife, Harriet, 
and I wish Bill Mott continued success in the years ahead.

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