The 2014 Melbourne Cup results are in, and Protectionist has won the race that stops a nation.
The 9-year-old horse was able to hold off competitors, in what was a tight running, becoming the first German-trained horse to win the Melbourne Cup.
“A simply stunning performance from Protectionist, who settles in the second half of the field on the rails behind a solid pace set by My Ambivalent,” the Guardian noted. “Jockey Ryan Moore saved ground near the rails before bursting through to beat Red Cadeaux and Who Shot Thebarman by a three or four lengths, becoming the first German-trained winner of the Melbourne Cup . Admire Rakti races on the pace and fades badly to finish last.”
Red Cadeaux finished in second, while Who Shot Thebarman took third. Signoff rounded out the top finishers in fourth place, and Admire Rati finished dead last.
The race attracted some big betting action, with more than $34 million nationwide in the win pool alone in the hour before the race started.
The field for the 2014 Melbourne Cup took a hit on race day, with the most powerful stable forced to give up hopes of riding Cavalryman to a win. The veteran horse was kept out of the race with soreness in his nearside fore fetlock.
From the Herald Sun :
“Cavalryman was inspected this morning by Racing Victoria head vet Brian Stewart, who ordered the nine-year-old’s scratching.”
“Calvalryman’s removal means the Cup field is reduced to 22 after Sea Moon was scratched on Monday with an elevated temperature.”
“Godolphin will be represented today by Willing Foe but the loss of Cavalryman is another blow to long-held ambitions of Cup success.”
The full 2014 Melbourne Cup results can be found here .
[Image Via Getty]
