Mr. Prospector

Mr. Prospector was a bay stallion who was bred in Kentucky by Leslie Combs II, the owner of Spendthrift Farm.

Raise a Native became a notable sire but tended to pass on his "heavy-topped" build and other conformation issues associated with unsoundness.

[3] By contrast, Mr. Prospector's dam, Gold Digger, was a multiple stakes winning mare known for her toughness and durability.

A daughter of Nashua, Gold Digger was from a highly distinguished female family tracing back to champion racemare and "blue hen" Myrtlewood.

[7] He had excellent hindquarters and strong hind legs, but his right forefront was turned-out and his knees were offset, making him vulnerable to injury.

[13] He then ran second in the Royal Poinciana on March 6 at Hialeah to Lonetree, who set a track record for seven furlongs.

[14] On April 20, Mr. Prospector won the Whirlaway Handicap at Garden State Racetrack, setting a track record of 1:083⁄5 for six furlongs.

[15] He then entered the Carter Handicap at Belmont Park on May 18, where he finished second to eventual Horse of the Year Forego.

[17] Mr. Prospector returned to the winner's circle in the Gravesend Handicap, held on June 19 at Belmont Park.

Although primarily known for the success of his offspring on the dirt in North America, he also was a top-ten sire for several years in Europe.

[8] Mr. Prospector sired one winner of each of the Triple Crown races, a feat his grandson, Unbridled, also accomplished.

[28] On June 1, 1999, Mr. Prospector died in his stall of complications from colic at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky.