CLARE, MI–APRIL 13, 2022–Carolyn C. Bay's Cold Cash 123, AQHA Racing's 2011 World Champion, died of colic Tuesday (Apr. 12) at Michigan State University. He was 14-years-old.

The son of world champion Oak Tree Special retired in 2013 to Cornwell Ranch, the same pastures where he grew up, as well as his dam, granddam and great-granddam.

In addition to enjoying his life as a retiree, Cold Cash 123 had picked up a second career as a barrel racer.

Conditioned by long-time trainer C. Dwayne Gillbreath, the homebred racing for Bay's T Bill Stables, Inc., won or placed in 18 of 27 career starts and earned $1,409,781. Also named the AQHA Racing Champion 3-Year-Old and Champion 3-Year-Old Gelding of 2011, Cold Cash 123 was under the care trainer Denny Ekins while racing on the West Coast.

 

He began his career at Remington Park with two off-the-board performances then won the All American Juvenile at Ruidoso Downs and the Southwest Juvenile Championship(G1) at Zia Park.

At 3, he won the Rainbow QH Derby(G1), Texas Classic Derby(G1) and The Championship at Sunland Park(G1) to be honored as the industry's AQHA Racing World Champion.

As a 4-year-old he won the Remington Park Invitational Championship(G1), the Go Man Go Handicap(G1) and was third in the Robert L Boniface Los Alamitos Invitational Championship(G1).  His final win came at Remington Park on May 12, 2013, in the Grade 2 Remington Park Championship Challenge as a 5-year-old.

 

Bay bred Cold Cash 123’s dam, Hot Cash 123 by Takin On The Cash, who has also produced two-time champion Flying Cowboy 123 (by Apollitical Jess, $965,811). She also owned Cold Cash 123’s granddam, To Hot To Hug, and his great-granddam, Tiny Lou Etta.

According to Bay, Cold Cash got his name because Hot Cash 123 foaled him early in a snowy Michigan pasture, instead of the warm stall his breeder had prepared.

According to an article published in the Quarter Horse Racing Journal Mrs. Bay's horses have the “123” designation after their name as a nod to her family history. Her parents fell in love as  teenagers, despite both of their parents' disapproval. They wrote secret love letters to each other and used “123” as code for “I love you.” The family has used it ever since and so do the horses.