Germany’s Protectionist won Australia’s A$6.2 million (US$5.4 million) Melbourne Cup at Flemington yesterday, but the event was marred by tragedy when Japanese favorite Admire Rakti died after the race.
Protectionist, starting at 7-1 and beautifully ridden by English jockey Ryan Moore, beat England’s Red Cadeaux (20-1) by four lengths, with New Zealand’s Who Shot Thebarman (20-1) another half-length away in third.
However, there was sadness in the immediate aftermath of Australia’s biggest race. The well-supported Admire Rakti was in distress and died in his stall upon returning from the track.
Photo: Reuters
“Admire Rakti, on return to the tie-up stall after the race, has collapsed and died, unfortunately,” head race steward Terry Bailey said. “Our vets are on hand and the horse will undergo an autopsy. Obviously we’ll have to await those results to find out the cause of the death.”
Admire Rakti’s death shocked Flemington as news of it emerged following Protectionist’s outstanding victory to become the fifth internationally trained winner of Australia’s iconic race.
The Japanese topweight in the race had been well supported after a storming victory in the Caulfield Cup last month and was up with the lead for most of the 3,200m event.
Photo: Reuters
As the seven-year-old galloper rounded the final bend, he was noticeably under pressure. Jockey Zac Purton furiously tried to maintain his position, only to drop back sharply through the field to finish 25 lengths behind the second-last horse.
“He traveled well for me the whole way, but when the pressure come on, he folded pretty quick,” Purton said.
Protectionist was Germany’s first success in the race and a first for trainer Andreas Wohler.
Photo: EPA
Moore skilfully maneuvered Protectionist into the clear about 200m from home and the five-year-old charged to the line for an easy victory in the 104th Melbourne Cup.
“He’s won very easily, a 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.”
Wohler was jubilant in the mounting yard after his horse’s triumph.
“We’ve had great success all over the world, but that’s the biggest of all,” Wohler said. “He [Moore] was so patient. 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. It’s a moment you won’t forget in your life. It’s a big achievement from our team,” he added.
It is the second consecutive year in which a horse has died in the Melbourne Cup.
French mare Varema was put down after snapping a cannon bone during last year’s race.
In another post-race incident, seventh-placed Araldo kicked out at a fence when returning to the mounting yard and injured a hind leg.
Vets were assessing the seriousness of the injury.
Nine-year-old Red Cadeaux gamely held off Who Shot Thebarman to take the runner-up check.
“He gave me his best, as always,” jockey Gerald Mosse said. “Very big heart and he tried so hard all the way. He just found one too good for him again.”
Signoff, ridden by Brazilian jockey Joao Moreira, was fourth, with Willing Foe fifth and Precedence sixth.
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