The first New Zealand horse to be raced in America by a New Zealander was the trotter Vodka, which was taken to the United States in 1956 by his owner, J. S. Shaw, of Christchurch. In spite of many difficulties, Shaw raced Vodka with success, winning 11 races. Vodka was later leased to American interests.

In 1960 Caduceus was the first New Zealand pacer to compete in the International Series sponsored by the Yonkers Raceway. He was taken there under contract to that body by his trainer-driver, J. D. Litten. In spite of his nine years, Caduceus showed he was the equal of the top American horses, winning the last race of the series, only to be disqualified. He also was leased to American interests and at 10 years was still winning races.

False Step and Arania were taken to the series during the 1960–61 season by their trainer-drivers, C. C. Devine and G. B. Noble. False Step's performances showed he was one of the greatest pacers in the world. He beat the acknowledged American champion, Adios Butler, in a 1 ½ mile race. He was sold in America for 115,000 dollars, the fifth highest price paid for a pacer in America. Arania did not do well in the series, but after being leased won several races and proved she was able to race with the best in America, and in fact created a record of 1 min 57 sec for 1 mile at the famous Lexington Red Mile.

In 1964 Cardigan Bay was sold to American interests for 100,000 dollars and in winning, in 1964, two of the three International Races proved to be the equal of the top American horses.

Other New Zealand horses sent to race in America in recent years include the top trotters Durban Chief, Annual Report, Jewel Derby, Highland Glen, and a number of pacers Falsehood, Patchwork, and Great Reveller.

by James Rutherford, M.A.(DURHAM), PH.D.(MICH.) (1906–63), Historian, Auckland.