At two El Gato Malo won the Gold Rush Stakes at Golden Gate in only his second start. Early in his 3-year-old campaign, he continued his winning ways with a dominating victory in the San Rafael (G3) at Santa Anita. The decisive proof of his class and versatility came in the Lone Star Derby (G3), where he traveled out of state to best a competitive field in his first start over a conventional dirt surface.

As an older horse, El Gato Malo won the McCann’s Mojave Stakes and placed in the Dallas Turf Cup Handicap, Alamedan Handicap, Ralph M. Hinds Handicap, and Yo Eleven Stakes. He retired sound in September 2012 at age seven.

Terry Finley:

“El Gato Malo had a solid career for his Partners. It’s always exciting to have a horse win their first three starts. He had some injuries along the way, which probably prevented him from showing his best, but he still came out and ran hard, earning over $650,000.”

Trainer Craig Dollase:

“El Gato Malo was a versatile racehorse. He won going short and long, and on different surfaces. We’ll miss “The Bad Cat” around the barn.”

El Gato Malo winning the 2008 Lone Star Derby (G3):