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Rogers’ stuffed horse sold to Neb. TV station

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.

The company’s owner, Patrick Gottsch, wanted to buy the whole Rogers collection but didn’t have time to work out the deal, Campione said.

Heirs spar over Lucille Ball auction

Los Angeles — Heirs of the late Lucille Ball and her second husband are sparring over the planned auction of some of the couple’s prized possessions, including a Rolls Royce and some of the actress’ awards.

Other items on the auction block are photos, sketches, other personal items and love letters between Ball and Gary Morton, the comedienne’s second husband.

Morton and Ball were married until the comedienne’s death in 1989. He later remarried, and the items being offered for sale Saturday were consigned to Heritage Auction Galleries by his widow, Susie Morton.

She is now locked in a battle with Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill, the daughter of Ball and her first husband and “I Love Lucy” co-star, Desi Arnaz, who want some of the items and her mother’s awards returned.

Susie Morton sued Luckinbill on Monday to seek a judge’s ruling that the auction can proceed.

Luckinbill said Wednesday through her attorney, Ronald J. Palmieri, that if the items she requested are not returned, she will go to court Friday morning to try to stop the auction.

Luckinbill wants the return of seven love letters, Ball’s address book, some portraits and several lifetime achievement awards being offered for sale, Palmieri said.