Classical Cat (KY)
Bay Gelding
Foaled February 23, 2020
Sire: Mendelssohn • Dam: Conquest Strate Up (by Not Bourbon)
Last Race: July 21, 2023 at Del Mar (8th race, Caesars Sportsbook Oceanside Stakes ‘Listed’, finished 2nd)
Career Stats: 5 starts, 3 wins, 1 second, no third place, earnings of $166,300 (Ran 2 Stakes races & won 1 of them)
Best Racing Class Achieved: “Stakes Winner”
Arrived at SCR: March 30, 2026 (from CARMA)
"Purchased as a yearling for $65,000, Classical Cat has already proven he has talent. Now we're giving him the opportunity to prove that greatness doesn't end when the racing career does."
A Personal Message from Kiersti & Classical Cat:
Classical Cat and I found our way to each other through a bit of serendipity.
When Classic arrived at Sandia Creek Ranch on March 30, 2026, through CARMA, the original plan was for him to be paired with another participant in our Training-to-Train program. But as often happens with horses, life had other plans. That rider ended up receiving a horse of their own, and suddenly Classical Cat was looking for his person.
It didn't take long for him to make his choice.
From the moment he settled into the barn, Classic would call out every time he saw me. He was eager to connect, eager to communicate, and impossible to ignore. It just felt natural for us to begin working together.
To be honest, our first week was a little humbling. Every time I laid an arm across his back, he would launch into a buck. I remember thinking, "Oh great... what exactly did I get myself into?"
Thankfully, Classical Cat learns quickly, especially when cookies are involved.
Once he figured out that arms over his back, leaning across him, and other early training exercises were followed by treats, everything changed. And trust me, this horse is a world-class cookie enthusiast.
What makes his story even more special is what he accomplished before arriving at SCRAF.
Foaled on February 23, 2020, Classical Cat competed at some of California's most prestigious racetracks including Del Mar and Santa Anita. In just five career starts, he earned an impressive record of 3 wins, 1 second, and over $166,000 in earnings, achieving the distinction of Stakes Winner.
His racing highlights include victories at Santa Anita in both an Allowance Optional Claiming race and the Eddie Logan Stakes, as well as a maiden victory at Del Mar. His final start came on July 21, 2023, when he finished second in the Listed Caesars Sportsbook Oceanside Stakes at Del Mar.
After such a successful racing career, Classical Cat could have easily been known only for what he accomplished on the track. Instead, he is proving that his greatest chapter may still be ahead of him.
Today, Classic is the first one to meet you at the gate. He genuinely enjoys having a job and being someone's partner. He is thoughtful, willing, intelligent, and the kind of horse that wants to understand what you're asking rather than simply react. Every day he shows more of the qualities that made him successful as an athlete: heart, determination, intelligence, and try.
What I love most about Classical Cat is his confidence. He carries himself with a quiet belief that he can do whatever is asked of him. He approaches new challenges with curiosity and enthusiasm, and he seems to genuinely enjoy learning.
The 2026 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover represents an exciting next chapter in his journey. Together, we will be working to transform a talented racehorse into a versatile sport horse while showcasing the incredible potential of Thoroughbreds after racing.
Your support helps provide training, coaching, veterinary care, transportation, competition expenses, and all the resources needed to prepare Classical Cat for the Thoroughbred Makeover and beyond.
Thank you for believing in second chances and for being part of Classical Cat's journey. We can't wait to share every step of the adventure with you.
Kiersti & Classical Cat
Learn more at www.scraf.org
