体坛英语新闻：Feature: German raider Protectionist wins Melbourne Cup 2014

MELBOURNE, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- German raider Protectionist has won the 5.4 million-U.S. dollar Melbourne Cup after a stellar ride by English jockey Ryan Moore.

Caught back in the field early, Moore steered his Hannover-trained mount through the tiring field, opening up a four-length margin in the final 200 meters. English stayer Red Cadeaux finished second for the third time in four years, edging out local Who Shot Thebarman.

The pre-race favorite, Japan's Admire Rakti, finished last after settling into second place up the back straight. The Caulfield Cup winner collapsed in the stalls after the race and passed away.

Moore was amazed at how easily five-year-old Protectionist blew away the field in the world's richest 3,200m race.

"He's won very easy, that's a very good horse," Moore said.

Protectionist's trainer Andreas Wohler said the win was the "biggest of all".

"We've had great success all over the world but that's the biggest of all," Wohler said.

"(At the start, Moore) couldn't have the position he would like to have but he was so patient. He came around the last bend and he ducked in to have the right gap and he quickened so well," said Wohler. "Ryan is a superstar."

Protectionist found itself back in the field, led out by fellow internationals My Ambivalent and Admire Rakti. The quick pace strung out the 22-horse field which slowed rapidly with 400 meters to the post. In front of 100,000 people at Flemington Racecourse, Red Cadeaux moved to the lead and was challenged by bottom weight Signoff.

But as soon as Protectionist found clear track, it clearly showed it was a class above all comers, becoming the fifth Northern-Hemisphere winner of Australia's greatest horserace.

Wohler chose to navigate his mount's Australian preparation away from the fruitful lead-up races, instead choosing a minor race three weeks ago.

"The chairman couldn't understand why we run in the 200,000-AU dollar Herbert Power and not the three million-AU dollar Caulfield Cup a week later. Now he knows why," joked Wohler.

Moore's win on Protectionist comes 10 days after he rode Adelaide to a win in Australia's weight-for-age championship, the 2.6 million-U.S. dollar Cox Plate. He is the first jockey since 1992 to win the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup in the same year with different horses.

He said the win made his trip to Australia all worth it.

"Obviously (winning the Cup), it's very special. You have to share it with the kids because I am away from home and it's tough," said Moore. "You need to win these races for it to be worthwhile so I'm glad I got the job done today."

Admire Rakti was attempting to become the first horse since Think Big in 1975 to win with 58.5 kilograms. It settled second before tiring at the 600 meter and being first to pull up. While being hosed in its stall after the race, the Japanese stayer collapsed and died a short time later.