Hector Protector

Hector Protector (foaled 1988 in Kentucky) was an American-bred, French-trained Thoroughbred racehorse. He was the leading European two-year-old of 1990 when he was undefeated in six races.

Background

Hector Protector was a chestnut horse bred in Kentucky by Stavros Niarchos. He was conditioned for racing by Francois Boutin.

Racing career

At age two, under jockey Freddy Head, Hector Protector won three Group One races, the 1990 Grand Critérium, Prix Morny, and the Prix de la Salamandre. Ridden by Head at age three, the colt finished fourth to winner Generous in the 1991 Epsom Derby in England. Back in France, he won two more Group Ones, the 1991 Poule d'Essai des Poulains and the Prix Jacques Le Marois.

Stud record

Retired from racing, Hector Protector was purchased by Zenya Yoshida, the prominent Japanese horseman and owner of Shadai Farm in Shiraoi, Hokkaido. Yoshida brought him to stand at stud in Japan.