Apache Cat: a fan favourite

25 February 2025 • Written by VRC

2025 marks 19 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. 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 Howden 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

Country	Starts	Wins	2nds	3rds	Prizemoney
AUS	41	19	4	7	$4,468,850 (AUD)
HK	2	0	0	1	$1,380,000 (HKD)

	Total Starts	Wins	2nds	3rds	Total Prizemoney
	43	19	4	7	$4,588,655 (AUD)