The New Zealand Trotting cup is considered as Canterbury's biggest day on its social calendar.
False Step later went to the United States where he beat the acknowledged American champion of the time, Adios Butler.
Cardigan Bay, in association with New Jersey master reinsman Stanley Dancer went on to become the first million dollar winner in the sport's history.
A common feature of the race is the inclusion of Australian trained runners, including the winners: The 2008 running of the race was won by Changeover, driven by David Butcher and trained by Geoff Small, in a then race/world record time (1.58.8-mile rate).
The race was delayed by over 6 minutes due to fractious horses and a damaged wheel to one of the favoured runners.
After being slow away, Butcher moved forward to lead, and soon after took a trail behind one of the other favourites, Baileys Dream.
The 2015 running of the New Zealand Cup was won by Australian-based horse, Arden Rooney, driven by Kerryn Manning.
After a great start, Arden Rooney was given a leisurely time in front and with a last half-mile in 55 seconds under a vigorous drive, gave little else a chance to catch it.
It was won in a very fast time in completely dominant fashion by 10 lengths, running 3.53.1 for the 2-mile event (a mile rate of 1.57.2).