Okay, here it is, the grave of Mr. Prospector, a stallion who Forbes Magazine in 2005 called "the most successful stallion in history." His race record was okay at 14: 7-4-2, but he became a legend and part of history through his work in the breeding shed. He syndicated for the phenomenal sum of $20 million when his stable sold 40 shares at $500,000 each -- a deal as it turned out!His most celebrated son, Fusaichi Pegasus, became the highest-priced stud horse ever when he sold in 2000 for a total of $60 million. That was the year after Mr. Prospector passed. He was euthanized on June 1, 1999 after suffering peritonitis from a colic attack. So, his son became even more valuable subsequently. In the year he passed, he was still serving as a stud and had successfully covered several 10s of mares!
He produced 165 lifetime stakeswinners and 18 champions in Europe and North America. He has had many children and grandchildren win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes, and earn championships, Horse of the Year awards, or lead sire lists around the world and in the U.S. He is considered without doubt the world's greatest sire of sires. He is also considered the best and greatest extension of the Northern Dancer line, and thus the most influential dirt track sire of all time as well. He is also the American agency representative to preserve the great Spearmint line.
Among his many famous fabulous children are these handful: Fappiano, Conquistador Cielo, Gulch, Afleet, Seeking the Gold, Kingmambo, and Fusaichi Pegasus. And among his immediate grandchildren are Thunder Gulch, Point Given, Afleet Alex, Lemon Drop Kid, War Emblem, Curlin, Smarty Jones, Real Quiet, Grindstone, Birdstone, Unbridled and Empire Maker.
His own parents are Raise a Native and Gold Digger by Nashua. So, he is related to my Violet most immediately through Discovery, Case Ace, Nasrullah, Count Fleet, and Bull Dog. She connects with him through his great-grandparents!
You can read more about this king of kings at the following links:
http://www.forbes.com/services/2005/05/05/cx_da_0505studmoney1.html
or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Prospector
or
http://horseracing.about.com/library/weekly/aa060199.htm
or
http://www.aro.co.za/aroHorseProfiles/MR%20PROSPECTORUSA1970.htm
or
http://www.stallions.com.au/historical/mr_prospector.asp
or
http://www.spiletta.com/UTHOF/nativedancer.html
