Germany’s Protectionist wins Melbourne Cup

MELBOURNE, Australia – Germany’s Protectionist, ridden by English jockey Ryan Moore, won Australia’s Aus$6.2 million ($5.4 million) Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday, November 4, with Japanese race favorite Admire Rakti coming last.

Protectionist, beautifully ridden, finished full of running to beat England’s Red Cadeaux with New Zealand’s Who Shot Thebarman third.

It was Germany’s first success in the famous race and a first for trainer Andreas Wohler.

Moore skillfully maneuvered Protectionist into the clear about 200 meters (a furlong) from home and the five-year-old charged to the line to easily win the 104th running of the two-mile (3200m) Melbourne Cup.

Red Cadeaux battled strongly for his third second placing in the race at his fourth attempt for Newmarket trainer Ed Dunlop.

“He’s won very easily, very good horse,” a delighted Moore said.

“His record’s very good. I’m very pleased with him. Obviously, it’s very special to win.”

Trainer Wohler was euphoric in the mounting yard after his horse’s triumph.

“He (Moore) was so patient,” Wohler said.

“When he came around the last bend I said he just needs to have the right gap and he found it… Ryan is a superstar.

“It’s unbelievable. Probably we just later think about it. It’s big achievement for our team. It’s a long way to come,” he added.

Favourite Admire Rakti finished last in the 22-horse field after fading badly from second into the home straight. – Rappler.com