Legendary Stallion Tale of the Cat Passes Away at 30
Horse Racing World Mourns the Loss of an Icon
(Versailles, KY – April 17, 2023) The horse racing world is mourning the loss of a true icon, as Coolmore America has announced the passing of their renowned stallion, Tale of the Cat, at the age of 30. The stallion succumbed to the infirmities of old age, leaving behind an indelible mark on the industry.
On the racetrack, Tale of the Cat shone brightly, winning the prestigious 1997 King’s Bishop Stakes (G2) with the legendary jockey Julie Krone in the saddle. He also finished a close second in the 1998 Whitney Handicap (G1) and secured third-place finishes in the Vosburgh (G1) in both 1997 and 1998. Under the guidance of trainer John Forbes, Tale of the Cat compiled an impressive 9: 5-1-2 record and amassed over $360,000 in career earnings.
However, it was in the breeding shed that Tale of the Cat truly cemented his legacy. During his stud career, which spanned from 1999 until his retirement in 2021, the stallion sired more than 100 stakes winners across the globe. Among his most notable progeny were the three-time Eclipse Award winner Gio Ponti, the champion juvenile filly She’s a Tiger, and the Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner Stopchargingmaria.
“Tale of the Cat was a brilliant servant. He was a wonderful stallion and has turned into a very good broodmare sire, he was a great horse to get a young mare off to a good start. Tale of the Cat has been at Ashford for 25 years, so was very much part of the family, he was a great character who was loved by all and I would like to thank Richard Barry and all of his staff past and present who cared for him over the years both during his stud career and during his retirement.”
- Coolmore America manager Dermot Ryan
The loss of Tale of the Cat is a significant blow to the horse racing community, as the industry says farewell to a true legend. His legacy will continue to live on through the remarkable offspring he has left behind, cementing his place as one of the all-time great sires in the sport of kings.
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