Melbourne Cup hero Protectionist Dies at 13

Mark Smith - Friday November 17

Australian Bloodstock reported the passing of their 2014 Melbourne Cup hero, Protectionist (GER).

Trained by Andreas Wohler in Germany, Protectionist (Monsun x Patineuse by Peintre Celebre), won eight and placed in four of his 22 starts.

His win in the Group II Prix Kergorlay at Deauville and a close-up fourth in the Caulfield Cup at his Australian debut saw the son of Monsun start a popular pick in the Melbourne Cup. Under an inspired ride by Ryan Moore, Protectionist (GER) came with a barnstorming finish to defeat Red Cadeaux (IRE) by four lengths.

Protectionist (GER)

Protectionist (GER)

He was left in Australia with Kris Lees but failed to settle in, and after eight unplaced starts, returned to  Andreas Wohler.

Back in familiar surroundings, Protectionist (GER) reeled off three consecutive wins, culminating with a two-and-a-half-length victory in the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten.

After failing in the Group 1 Canadian International at Woodbine, Protectionist (GER) took up stud duties at Gestut Röttgen in 2017.

Despite limited opportunities, Protectionist (GER) has 43 winners from 81 runners, with four stakes winners and three stakes placegetters.

His daughter Amazing Grace was honoured as the Champion Older Female in Germany in 2022 (Long). 

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