Apache Cat: Guineas glory 20 years on

Now 23 and residing at Living Legends, Apache Cat remains a headline act. Affectionately known as ‘Patch’, he is, as Living Legends notes, “one of our biggest horses and one of our most popular as well”.

An eight-time Group 1 winner and crowned Australian Champion Sprinter in 2008, he has lost none of his star quality.

His fans, Living Legends says, “just love his unique face markings and overall appearance”, and Patch is more than happy to oblige.

“He loves an audience, and the bigger the crowd, the better. He is a horse who definitely knows he’s the best.”

On guided tours, he poses patiently for photos and makes it clear that carrots are very welcome. More often than not, he is the first to the fence when he spots visitors walking down the hill towards his paddock. With his regular handlers, he is affectionate, leaning in for a scratch or a quiet cuddle.

That personality was matched by performance.

Apache Cat made his mark early, winning as a two-year-old before capturing the Australian Guineas at three – his first Group 1 victory. It was a defining moment at Flemington and the beginning of a distinguished career.

A move to sprinting elevated him further. With dual Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Corey Brown in the saddle, Apache Cat delivered one of the most impressive winning streaks of the modern era.

In 2008, he won five consecutive Group 1 races – equalling the record set by Tulloch in 1957 – taking out the Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington, the Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley, the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick, the BTC Cup (1200m) and the Doomben 10,000 (1350m) both at Doomben.

He returned in 2009 to defend both the Australia Stakes and the Doomben 10,000, reinforcing his standing as Australia’s premier sprinter. Brown later rated him the best horse he had ridden, while trainer Greg Eurell described him as a “wonderful horse” who always tried.

Across 43 starts, Apache Cat recorded 19 wins and earned $4,588,655 in prizemoney. His eight Group 1 victories secured his place among the leading sprinters of his generation.

Retired in 2009, he has enjoyed a successful second career as an ambassador for the sport. He’s stayed in good health, apart from late 2020, when an irregularity in his right eye was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, a condition more common in horses lacking pigment around the eye.

He underwent radiation therapy at the Southeastern Equine Clinic under the care of internationally recognised equine ophthalmologist Dr Andrew Turner, assisted by human radiation therapist Faye Tuchtan. The treatment was successful, and he returned quickly to his paddock.

Two decades on from his Guineas triumph, Apache Cat remains a familiar and welcome sight at Flemington – a champion whose legacy extends beyond the racetrack. 

Come and meet this legend of the turf Apache Cat and offer him a carrot. Fellow Living Legend and 202 English Derby winner Serpentine will also be there. Get your tickets here.

APACHE CAT

23YO 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)

HONOURS

Australian Champion Sprinter (2008)