Cardigan Bay (horse)

"Cardigan Bay" (1956–1988) was a bay pacing gelding by Hal Tryax out of Colwyn Bay by Josedale Dictator. He was affectionately named "Cardy" and was the first standardbred to "win $US 1 million in prize money". Along with his arch-rival the USA's champion of the day Bret Hanover, he is one of the greatest standardbred racehorses ever.

He began racing in New Zealand and his first stake money was won in a saddle pace on a grass track. He won all their major open class races including the New Zealand Cup and Auckland Cup ( from 78 yard handicap ).

Cardigan Bay even won a major event at Addington raceway in Christchurch while the grandstand was on fire. He also won the Inter-Dominion Championship final in Adelaide, Australia.

"Cardy" was taken to the USA where he won many races there and in Canada. He beat the famous US Champion Overtrick in one of three races.

In 1964, Overtrick and Cardigan Bay engaged in two great races: The Dan Patch Pace and the Dan Patch Encore. Cardigan Bay prevailed by the shortest of noses in the Dan Patch, and Overtrick got his revenge in the Encore.

Overtrick also defeated CB in an earlier race in 1964, prevailing by a neck at a mile and a half race.

Perhaps his most famous encounter was with a great standard-bred horse, Bret Hanover, in the Pace of the Century, in 1966. Cardigan Bay was only one of two horses to have beaten the mighty Bret Hanover. However Cardigan Bay had met his match, and it wasn't to be that evening.

He won "82 races" all up and retired back to New Zealand.

Cardigan Bay and Phar Lap are probably the most well known racehorses ever to come from New Zealand.

Cardigan Bay was foaled at Mataura (near Gore) in the South Island of New Zealand. As you drive into Mataura from Gore, there is a sign on the road proclaiming Mataura as the birthplace of Cardigan Bay.

The New Zealand Post Office released a stamp in 1970 commemorating his winnings.

ee also

* Harness racing