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Melbourne Cup Winner Protectionist Passes Away

by TTR AusNZ

Dual-hemisphere Group 1 winner Protectionist (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}–Patineuse {Ger}, by Peintre Celebre), who won the 2014 G1 Melbourne Cup for Australian Bloodstock, died recently at 13.

Australian Bloodstock, who raced Protectionist later in his career, said via X, “Sad to hear of the passing of 'our champ' Protectionist. A remarkable horse with such a strong character who meant a lot to so many people. #Lifechanger.”

Bred by Dr. Christoph Berglar, the bay won the G2 Hansa-Preis and G2 Prix Kergorlay for his breeder and trainer Andreas Wohler before being purchased by Australian Bloodstock. He later won the “Race That Stops A Nation” and switched stables to Kris Lees after that victory. Sent back to the Northern Hemisphere in 2016, he won three straight including the G2 Grosser Hansa-Preis and the G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin while under the care of Wohler, and retired to Gestut Rottgen with a record of 22-8-3-1 and $3,785,601 in earnings.

From four crops of racing age, the son of Broodmare of the Year Patineuse has sired 43 winners, including Group 2 winner Amazing Grace (Ger) and Group 3 winner Lambo (Ger). He also has two other listed winners to his name, as well as the G3 Silbernes Pferd third Lion's Head (Ger).

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Valiant King Withdrawn From Melbourne Cup After Setback

The Joseph O'Brien-trained Valiant King (GB) (Roaring Lion) will not take part in the G1 Melbourne Cup on Nov. 7, and has instead been sent for a spell after suffering a setback, co-owner Ozzie Kheir confirmed on Friday.

The grey was most recently sixth in the G1 Caulfield Cup and was found to be lame in his left front leg earlier this week after a Racing Victoria vet inspection.

”After this morning's RV inspections where Valiant King was found to be mildly lame post his work, we had our own vets this evening come back and inspect him and agree with RV's assessment as he remained slightly lame in the front left fore,” Kheir told Racing.com.

”He was due to be inspected tomorrow morning by RV, but regardless of the outcome, we have decided that we will withdraw him from the Melbourne Cup now to allow other connections on the cusp of getting into the race to make plans.

”Unfortunately for the ownership group, Joseph O'Brien and his travelling team its obviously very disappointing to get so close and stumble at this last hurdle.”

A maiden winner at Navan in May, the 3-year-old was also second in the G3 Ballyroan S. this August.

Kheir added, 'We have always said we believe he will be a talented horse in the future and by looking after him now, we will get the rewards in the autumn and sprint next year.

”We hope to target the [G1] Australian Cup back at Flemington provided he acclimatizes well in the capable hands of Chris Waller.

”RV communication and handling of the matter has been very professional and supportive.”

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New Book Honours 100 Years of Naas Racecourse

A new book, The Centenary of Naas Racecourse, written by renowned historian and author Turtle Bunbury, will be released beginning on Nov. 17.

This fascinating book tells the story of the farmers and sportsmen who founded the racecourse, and touches on some of the politicians, film stars and royals who have visited over the last 100 years, including Walt Disney, Robert De Niro and Bono. There are countless stable yards and training operations around Naas, which has been at the epicentre of the Irish equestrian world for at least 260 years.

“Naas Racecourse has a tremendous story to tell,” Bunbury said. “The track has played such an important role in the evolution of Irish racing over the last 100 years. It's been the scene of some incredible sporting and historical moments and racing at Naas continues to be a major part of Irish social life generally. I hope people enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed piecing the story together.”

Known as 'The Nursery of Champions', the track has been where some of Europe's most talented horses have raced. To date, the winners of 30 Aintree Grand Nationals, 27 Cheltenham Gold Cups and eight King George VI Chase have either started their careers in Naas or raced on the track. In the past four years alone, horses have gone from Naas to the Cheltenham Festival and won the Gold Cup, the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, the Triumph Hurdle and the Queen Mother Champion Chase twice.

Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), the winner of this year's G1 Betfair Derby and G1 Irish Derby, got his start at Naas, as did last year's top-rated juvenile Little Big Bear (Ire) (No Nay Never). Since 2020, the G1 Oaks, the G1 2000 Guineas, the G1 1000 Guineas, the G1 Melbourne Cup and four Breeders' Cup races have also been won by horses who started at Naas.

“We are so proud of the history and story of Naas and are delighted that it's finally been told so eloquently by Turtle Bunbury,” Dermot Cantillon, Chairman of Naas Racecourse. said. “It's remarkable to look back at all the old photographs of both famous people and horses and it gives all of us here at Naas Racecourse an enormous sense of pride to be part of something very special. Our founding members paved the way for us and it's up to us to keep evolving and to keep adding to our racegoers experience through competitive racing and through the guest experience. Huge thanks to everyone who helped us to bring this book to life, we are delighted with it.”

The Centenary of Naas Racecourse will be available in hardback and can be ordered on the Naas Racecourse website.

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New-Look Melbourne Cup Celebrations For 2023

This year's G1 Melbourne Cup carnival celebrations are set for a different look, with the iconic street parade, which has been a feature since 1983, set to be replaced by an alternate event.

Significant road closures and major infrastructure works in the Melbourne CBD will prevent access to key streets, meaning the event, in its traditional format, is not possible this year.

Instead, the Victoria Racing Club will host a Cup Week live site at Petanque Social on Crown Riverwalk, with that announcement set to take place on Thursday.

Contrary to some reports, the amended format does not have anything to do with animal rights activists. The VRC has vowed to bring back the traditional event next year.

“The traditional Lexus Melbourne Cup parade has been disrupted by Victoria's Big Build across the city,” said VRC CEO Steve Rosich. “We are clear that our intent is to bring the parade back to the city when we can again next year.

“And whether that means we end up with this live site and a parade, we will certainly look at that possibility as well.”

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