The Courier always delivered at home and was a deadly sprinting weapon for years

Courier Bay, a highly accomplished New Zealand racehorse, enjoyed a remarkable five-season career. Primarily competing domestically, he occasionally ventured across the Tasman, but with limited success. By the sire Diplomatic Agent out of the dam, Bay Ruth (Lionhearted), Courier Bay was previously owned by the late G. White and was trained by him in New Plymouth. Despite utilising a variety of jockeys to ride Courier Bay, highly gifted senior jockey David Walsh served as the primary rider throughout the horse's racing career.

Courier Bay commenced his racing career by securing a victory in a Colts & Geldings maiden race held at Wanganui on the 10th of December, 1985. The race distance was 1350 metres, and it marked Courier Bay's winning debut. On Boxing Day he won with some brillance on a soft track at Taranaki over 1400m, demolishing the opposition by five lengths. A third followed at Stratford before a slick Gr.3 win in the 1600m 3YO Levin Classic at Trentham, defeating Field Dancer and Te Akau Prince. Later in the month the wins continued to roll in, firstly in a Class 2 event over 1200m at New Plymouth, and another victory over the mile on Awapuni. A 2nd to the brilliant Waverley Star followed at Avondale before returning to Awapuni for another sprint win. A well earned two month rest was welcomed before an Australian visit.

Courier Bay ventured to Queensland in May 1986 to take on some black type features. The speedster won fresh over 1350m at Doomben but struggled over the mile in the Queensland Guineas, the Ansett Cup, the Elders and the 4BC Sprint. Possibly unhappy away from home, he was allowed a decent winter break before returning in the spring. Courier Bay worked back in distance fresh, running 3rd at Taranaki over 1400m, 2nd at Trentham over 1200m, and winning over 1000m at Riccarton. A Group 2 failure was followed by a half length, close up 2nd to Diamond Lover in the Group one Railway on New Years Day at Ellerslie and then a classic display, winning well in the Gr.1 Telegraph at Wellington - his dual victories at Trentham proving his greatest achievement in a decorated New Zealand career. A failure in the Thorndon Mile was followed by another win in the Gr.1 Waikato Sprint at Te Rapa, before a poor campaign followed in Melbourne and Sydney.

Back home fresh in the spring, Courier Bay was in dominant form, running 2nd at New Plymouth to Poetic Prince, winning the Gr.3 WFA sprint at Rotorua, a Class 1 sprint at Riccarton before winning the Gr.2 Concorde Sprint at Avondale. In early 1988 Courier Bay ran a close 2nd in the Gr.1 Railway at Ellerslie, but managed to grab the Gr.1 Telegraph sprint again later in January 1989, defeating Sirstaci and Squire Grey. Another 4th in the Thorndon was followed by a second victory in the WFA Gr.1 Waikato Sprint. Back in Melbourne he failed in the Newmarket at Flemington but bounced back with an improved 3rd in the Wootton at Moonee Valley. Back home in April, he finished 3rd behind Poetic Prince before going out again. Mr Tiz got the better of Courier Bay in the 1989 Railway on Boxing Day, however he returned to Ellerslie in late January to win the 1300m WFA event, defeating Poetic Prince once again. The tables were turned in the Waikato Draught Sprint at Te Rapa followed by a 3rd there in a Listed WFA 1400m race.

His professional trajectory waned from here onwards, as performances appeared to diminish, resulting in a challenging endeavour to maintain competitiveness. Notably, he achieved a 2nd at Awapuni and Egmont in 1990, which stand out as the most significant accomplishments during this period. Courier Bay retired in April 1990 after a remarkable career in the Terrace Regency at Otaki. In an era where modern sprinters now participate in approximately 20 races or less throughout their careers, Courier Bay stands out as an exceptional athlete who consistently delivered top performances year after year. He epitomised the spirit of the great weekly runners of the past, demonstrating unwavering dedication and professionalism in his approach to racing. Courier Bay's achievements and impressive record solidify his status as one of New Zealand's most formidable sprinters of the 1980's. The underrated Courier Bay achieved four Group One wins in New Zealand, which places him just below Veyron, but one above Horlicks. He was deservedly named NZ horse of the year in the 1987/88 season.

RACE RECORD - 61: 17-9-5

EARNINGS - $ 666,070

G1 Telegraph Sprint (1987/1988)

G1 Waikato Draught Sprint (1988/1989)

G2 Concorde Sprint (1988)

G3 Levin Classic (1985)

G3 Rotorua WFA Sprint (1986)