Horse Racing Mourns the Loss of 2014 Melbourne Cup Champion, Here’s a Tribute to Protectionist’s Victorious Legacy

The horse racing realm has stayed through to witness the passing of hundreds and thousands of equine athletes every year. Be it an on-course fatality or the age taking over, the losses have been of grievance and unkindness. After witnessing the Geaux Rocket Ride and Practical Move pass-through recently, the equestrian community once again stands to mourn the passing of an excellent story.

Greman-bred and trained, Perfectionist was an admirable horse throughout his career. Owning to a 21-start career, the 13-year-old gelding held numerous moments of sparkle right through to his final moments. Australian Bloodstock director Luke Murrell revealed the tragic news of the equine’s passing; calling for heartfelt messages and tribute from across the community.

Horse Racing community pays tribute

According to the revealed news, Perfectionist bid adieu following euthanasia. Murrell states that the gelding kicked a wall at his stable in France which led to the tragic measures on Wednesday. Following the news, among many who paid tribute, the Victoria Racing Club chimed in for a note. The X post read, “The VRC is saddened to hear of the passing of 2014 Melbourne Cup champion Protectionist. He was the first German-trained winner of Australia?s most iconic race and our thoughts are with Australian Bloodstock and connections.”

Perfectionist had recently been retired to stud duties in Germany following his 8-win career. The gelding also received a tribute from owner on the social media. ?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,? Australian Bloodstock posted to X. Through his many actions and multiple grade-stakes career, Perfectionist was sure to win thousands of hearts. However, what highlights the story of the phenomenon was his historic 2014 Melbourne Cup win.

Perfectionist’s remarkable 2014 win

On the grounds of ?Royal Randwick, Flemington, enthusiasts gathered to watch what was then a regular thrilling match. However, with the performance of German-bred Perfectionist, the Cup’s 154th edition took a wonderful turn. Among the 22 horses, the 13-year-old had run the 3,200-metre race to win by 4 lengths. Ridden by British jockey Ryan Moore, that evening, Perfectionist became the first-ever German horse to win the race. Racing. com states that Ratings expert Daniel O?Sullivan referred to the win as the second-highest WFA Performance Rating in the last 15 years.

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The win further recorded more feats. His 3:17.71 finish is said to be the fastest time since?Media Puzzle?in?the 2002 race, and the fourth-fastest overall. Following up, the margin recorded was also the biggest victory since ?Doriemus’s 1995 race. With a staggering legacy behind, Perfectionist has passed on to leave a special place; or as Murrell puts it, “He will always be very special…”

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