May 27 - A few days ago we published a story about the recent health scare involving Apache Cat, one of the most impressive sprinters in the Australian horse racing scene, ahead of last Saturday's lucrative Doomben 10,000 in Brisbane. Well, Apache won the race but his critics were not impressed.

After Apache Cat, who underwent a barrage of blood tests last week, convincingly won the 1350m Group 1 Doomben 10,000 at the Doomben Race Course in Brisbane, a question heard in many quarters around the course after the race was 'Just who did Apache Cat beat?'.

The question implied whether the Doomben field was strong enough to warrant giving Apache Cat, his trainer and jockey the kudos and respect that comes from a convincing win. For this writer's money, Apache Cat ran extremely well, warranting him and his team a hardy pat on the back.

However, horse racing fans are indeed a fickle bunch - one day praising a particular horse and the next wishing it a swift and direct one-way journey to the knackers yard. And I suppose therein lies the appeal of the sport, the fact that it is so dynamic and that things can change so quickly.

Take Apache Cat. Just last week he was the picture of health until a routine blood test supposedly showed up some anomaly or other. Luckily for Apache, it turned out to be nothing serious, and he was cleared to run at Doomben. But imagine if the results did turn out to be serious and he was scratched.

Those same pundits that criticized Apache Cat's victory would probably have felt empathy for the horse and wished for its speedy recovery. Thankfully though, he did not have a health issue, especially following the sad euthanization of talented American filly, Eight Belles, at the Kentucky Derby earlier this month.

Fans of Apache Cat can hope for his continued good form next season and are eager to see if he'll get to run against (and hopefully trounce) the Australian powerhouse that is the three-year-old, Weekend Hussler. I guess we'll have to wait and see and allow the anticipation to bloom.

Other Articles:

Curlin Training Session Bodes Well for Foster Handicap - 05-28-08

Daytona Outpaces Ever a Friend in Shoemaker Mile - 05-28-08

Empress Crown Delivers Royal Performance at Kenilworth - 05-27-08

Big Brown Develops Quarter Crack But Trainer Confident - 05-27-08

CHRB Takes Hard Line on Horse Steroids - 05-25-08

Kentucky Horse Racing Officials Appoint Medical Director - 05-24-08

Arch Rebel a Real Contender for Tattersalls Gold Cup - 05-24-08

Brass Hat Seeks first Turf Win at Churchill Downs - 05-23-08


2012/04/02 09:27:42 PM