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.

Related Topics:
1956 - 1988 - Pacing - Gelding - Hal Tryax - Colwyn Bay - Josedale Dictator - Standardbred - Bret Hanover

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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 ).

Related Topics:
New Zealand - Open class - New Zealand Cup - Auckland Cup

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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.

Related Topics:
Addington - Christchurch - Adelaide, Australia

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"Cardy" was taken to the USA where he won many races there and in Canada. He beat the famous US Champion Overtrick twice at Yorkers raceway. His most famous encounter was with possibly the greatest standardbred horse ever, 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 Cardy had met his match, and it wasn't to be that evening.

Related Topics:
USA - Canada - Overtrick - Bret Hanover - Pace of the Century - 1966

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He won 80 races all up and retired to New Zealand.

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

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See also: Harness racing

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