Protectionist remained in Australia and was transferred to trainer Kris Lees, where he returned to compete in the 2015 Australian Cup and Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.
He found his way back to Andreas Wohler after his 2015 Australian spring campaign and won his next three starts in Germany, including the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Berlin.
Protectionist finished his career on the track in 2016 and took up stud duties in his homeland Germany at Gestüt Röttgen where he has sired seven stakes performers.
Protectionist remains one of the most dominant winners of the Melbourne Cup in recent years and VRC Chairman Neil Wilson paid tribute to the 13-year-old stallion.
“Protectionist holds a special place in the history books at Flemington as the first German-trained winner of the Melbourne Cup. Winning a Melbourne Cup can change your life, and we know how much he meant to Andreas Wohler, Australian Bloodstock and their ownership group,” Mr Wilson said.
“On behalf of the VRC, we send our heartfelt condolences to the connections of Protectionist and those who loved him. We look forward to following his legacy on the track through his sons and daughters.”
