TV network top bidder for Trigger

NEW YORK – A Nebraska cable TV network ponied up $266,500 for Roy Rogers’ stuffed and mounted horse, Trigger, at an auction in New York City on Wednesday.

The movie cowboy’s faithful companion was bought by the cable company RFD-TV in Omaha, Neb., at a Christie’s auction of items from the now-closed Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum in Branson, Mo.

Trigger’s sale price outpaced the estimated $100,000 to $200,000 it was expected to fetch, with many other items also selling far above estimate.

RFD-TV’s chief financial officer Steve Campione says Rogers reflects the company’s values. The network airs mainly agricultural, equine and country living programming.

Auctioneer Cathy Elkies said it was the “most colorful, emotional and sentimental” sale she had experienced in her 20 years at Christie’s.

Rogers’ son Roy Jr. cried at the beginning of the sale as he spoke of the family’s decision to auction Roy’s belongings.

“We hope you get a piece of Roy and Dale and take it home and you’ll get to pass it on to your children,” he said.