2023 marks 17 years since Apache Cat won the Group 1 Australian Guineas in 2006.  

With his distinctive white features and markings, chestnut gelding Apache Cat was a crowd favourite. Add to that a memorable sprinting career on the track, and he was a horse not to be forgotten. 

He made a name for himself early in his career winning his first race as a two-year-old and then winning the Australian Guineas, his first Group 1, at Flemington. 

When he switched to sprinting, his career soared. With Corey Brown in the irons, Apache Cat managed to win five consecutive Group 1 races in 2008 (a streak that matched the record set by champion Tulloch in 1957): the Lightning Stakes at Flemington, Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley, TJ Smith at Randwick, BTC Cup at Doomben and the Doomben 10,000, which he followed up the following year with back-to-back victories in both the Australia Stakes and the Doomben 10,000. 

Dual Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Corey Brown rated the star sprinter the best he has ridden in his career and his trainer, Greg Eurell called him a ‘wonderful horse’ who tried hard and very often let people down. 

Apache Cat retired from the track in 2009 and happily resides at Living Legends. 

Late in 2020, Apache Cat’s team at Living Legends noticed an irregularity with one of his eyes, and after investigation, he underwent radiation therapy at South Eastern Equine Clinic for a squamous cell carcinoma to his right eye. 

He received the radiation treatment from internationally recognised equine veterinary eye specialist Dr Andrew Turner, assisted by human radiation therapist Faye Tuchtan. 

Watch the video for a recap of the successful treatment that he received. 

Fortunately, the condition, which is common in breeds and individuals who lack pigment around the eye, was resolved and the champ was back in his favourite paddock quickly. Turning 21 later this year, Apache Cat is still one of the most popular Living Legends to make the rounds of events and race days, and will be on course at Flemington on Australian Guineas Day. 

APACHE CAT 

Chestnut Gelding 

Foaled  13/11/2002 (Chatswood Stud, VIC) 

Sire  Lion Cavern (USA) 

Dam  Tennessee Blaze (Whiskey Road (USA)) 

Trainer  Greg Eurell (Cranbourne) 

Breeder  Mr P F Radford and Ms R N Lawrie 

Owners  Mr P F Radford, Ms R N Lawrie, G E Riddell, Mrs S T Riddell, Mrs M B Lofthouse, K J Lofthouse 

CAREER STATISTICS 

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS 

WON Group 1 Australian Guineas (2006) 

WON Group 1 Lightning Stakes (2008) 

WON Group 1 Australia Stakes (2008, 2009) 

WON Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (2008) 

WON Group 1 BTC Cup (2008) 

WON Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (2008, 2009) 

Australian Champion Sprinter (2008)