A hydrodynamic retarder control apparatus includes two valve spools, one, a retarder control valve, functions as a relay valve to control the on/off operation of a hydrodynamic retarder and the other, a regulator valve, functions to control the regulation of pressure at the hydrodynamic retarder. During abnormal periods of operation of the regulator valve, the retarder control valve will also function as a pressure control valve thereby limiting the maximum pressure at the hydrodynamic retarder.