By Linda Scrivner

COLUMBIA, Tenn. — Columbia’s mayor Dean Dickey proclaimed Sept. 20 to be Gen A' Mighty Day following the horse’s recent World Grand Championship victory at the Celebration, making the horse the fifth World Grand Champion to hail from Columbia. Dickey presented the horses owner Mike Floyd with the proclamation; Charles Tisher presented him with a gift certificate for a sport coat and following his exhibition they were presented a silver platter engraved “Congratulations! Maury County Horseman & Friends.”

Another reason for the proclamation, Dickey said, was because the horse’s winning trainer Jimmy McConnell tied for the most Celebrations to be won by a trainer. He tied with Billy Gray, who passed away a couple years ago and is remembered as a legend by many in the industry.

Several hundred people gathered for the proclamation and exhibition at the Baker Building at the Maury County Fairgrounds to honor Gen A' Mighty, McConnell and Floyd. A meal made the ceremony complete, as did the petting and photo opportunities that followed the exhibition.