Super sprinter Apache Cat, the handsome chestnut gelding that gained a cult-like status throughout his career, has been retired this week due to an injury he sustained whilst contending the Hong Kong Sprint last Sunday at Sha Tin racecourse.

X-rays taken yesterday, after the Greg Eurell-trained runner pulled up sore following his seventh behind Sacred Kingdom in the Sprint, revealed a fracture near his fore sesamoid bone that has proved to be career-ending.

Recognised for his striking baldy face and four white feet, Apache Cat will live out the rest of his days at the Legends Farm in Victoria.

Another of the Aussie contingent that ventured to Hong Kong last weekend, Scenic Blast, also suffered a shocking run in the Sprint. The reigning horse of the year bled and faced an instant three-month ban.

An eight time Group 1 winner, seven-year-old Apache Cat’s career record officially stands at 19 wins from 43 starts for an impressive $4,588,655 in prizemoney earned.

Throughout his glittering career that began in March 2005 with a debut win at Sandwon, Apache Cat also amassed a remarkable collection of Australian racing accolades including Australian Sprinter of the Year.