Cadiz, marvel of longevity, dies at 28

Press, 7 September 1984, Page 23

Cadiz, marvel of longevity, dies at 28

By

J. J. BOYLE

Cadiz, one of New Zealand’s most distinguished thoroughbred exports in the last 50 years, died on May 31, in California, at the great age of 28. “He was as tough as they come and I guess that’s why he lived so long,” the American trainer, Bob Wheeler, said of his former charge, which was bred in Nelson, selected as a yearling by the Riccarton trainer, Jim Tomkinson, won 13 races for the late Mr A. N. Smith, of Dunedin, then was sold to the United States in 1961 as part of a package deal with Braganza. Long before he died, Cadiz’s durability came in for widest attention. He was 10 when he won his last race, a 6f claiming race at Pleasanton for a stake of $2200, but was brought back into training two years later for a claiming race in Sacramento. From that final indignity he was rescued by James Stewart, general manager of Hollywood Park, who used him as his day-to-day transport around the track, and also allotted him the task of leading the Hollywood Gold Cup parade. Cadiz again made the headlines when at the age of 16 he was prepared for the

fifty-mile Calico Trail Ride run near the ghost town of Calico. In five seasons of competition in the United States Cadiz won nine races and earned over $280,000. His victories included the Californian Stakes and the Christopher J. Fitzgeralds Handicap in 1962 as well as the Hollywood Gold Cup the following year. From Jim Tomkinson’s stable he raced with great distinction over shorter courses, and had some memorable duels with his contemporary, Karina, on New Zealand courses. His wins included the Champagne Stakes and The Stewards at Riccarton, the Wellington Stakes at Trentham, the Jackson Stakes at Wanganui, and the weight-for-age Linlithgow Stakes at Flemington. Bred by Mr Alex Newman, he was the third of 10 foals of Infinity (by Airway), winner of six races and a daughter of the speedster Pay Roll. Acting for Mr Smith, Jim Tomkinson bought Cadiz for 600 guineas at the Trentham sales, and launched him on his successful career at Wingatui, the course Mr Smith was identified with as club president. Americans had an early lesson as to Cadiz’s resilient qualities.

After they were sold to Mr Victor Graber in 1961 Cadiz and Braganza were sent by ship to the United States. The voyage was to have lasted 14 days but was extended to a month because of engine trouble in the freighter. Yet, within weeks of his arrival, the •unflappable “Gus” signalled his arrival in the United States by winning a Californian sprint race in the hands of the famous Johnny Longden. Not surprisingly, Jim Tomkinson rated Cadiz as the best horse he ever trained in a list of talented performers to pass through his hands. ■ Tomkinson had another of many successful seasons in 1983-84, but because of ill health he is now dispersing members of his team. Hint, the leading South Island three-year-old filly last season, will do her future racing for the estate of T. C. Lowry from the Takanini stable of Ray Verner. Upper Cut, whose major success last season was in the Great Easter Handicap, is to join the West Melton stable of Tony and Lyn Prendergast. A two-year-old filly by Sir Tristram from the distinguished performer, Leilani, has been returned to her part-owner, Mrs Jill Gould.