Prime Defender

Prime Defender (30 March 2004 – 24 July 2012) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse.

Prime Defender
SireBertolini
GrandsireDanzig
DamArian Da
DamsireSuperlative
SexStallion
Foaled30 March 2004[1]
CountryUnited Kingdom
ColourChestnut
BreederChristopher J Mason
OwnerSteve Falle, Matt Franklin and James Sumsion
TrainerBarry Hills
Record57:8-6-3
Earnings£270,444
Major wins
European Free Handicap (2007)
Sandy Lane Stakes (2007)
Cammidge Trophy (2009)
Duke of York Stakes (2010)

Background

Prime Defender was a chestnut horse with a white blaze bred by Christopher J Mason. He was one of the best horses sired by Bertolini a "high class sprinter" who won the July Stakes in 1998.[2] He was trained by Barry Hills in Lambourn and owned by friends Steve Falle, Matt Franklin and James Sumsion.

Racing career

As a three-year-old, Prime Defender won the European Free Handicap at Newmarket Racecourse in April and the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock Park in May. After a long break without a major win he won the Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster in March 2009. He recorded his most important victory as a six-year-old in August 2010 when he won the Group Two (Duke of York Stakes).[3] Prime Defender holds the juvenile and overall track record at Wolverhampton.

Stud career

Prime Defender was retired to Hedgeholme Stud in County Durham at the end of the 2011,[4] but after having fertility problems he was returned to training the following year with the Nottinghamshire trainer Michael Appleby. He was being prepared for a return to racing when died of a heart attack in a training gallop on 24 July 2012.[5]

Pedigree
Pedigree of Prime Defender (GB), chestnut stallion, 2004[1]
Sire
Bertolini (USA)
1996		 Danzig (USA)
1977		 Northern Dancer Nearctic
Natalma
Pas de Nom Admiral's Voyage
Petitioner
Aquilegia (USA)
1989		 Alydar Raise a Native
Sweet Tooth
Courtly Dee Never Bend
Tulle
Dam
Arian Da (GB)
1995		 Superlative (IRE)
1981		 Nebbiolo Yellow God
Novara
Clariden Hook Money
Matterhorn
Nell of the North (USA)
1977		 Canadian Gil Northern Dancer
Julie Kate
Sprinkle Power Balance of Power
Neila (Family: 4-o)

References
  1. "Prime Defender pedigree". Equineline. 2012-05-08. Retrieved 2013-12-28.
  2. "Bertolini – Stud Record". Racing Post.
  3. https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/horseracing/8163620.prime-defender-wins-group-2-duke-of-york-blue-square-stakes-at-york-racecourse/
  4. "Prime Defender to stand at Hedgeholme Stud". Racing Post. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04.
  5. Paul Eacott (24 July 2012). "Prime Defender dies on gallops". Racing Post. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015.
  • Prime Defender's record from Racing Post
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