The 2014 Melbourne Cup will long be remembered for the great staying performance of the winner, Protectionist, from Germany, and the sad ending of two horses that didn’t return to their stables that evening.

The death of the favourite, Admire Rakti, was unavoidable; he basically died of natural causes within a few minutes on reaching the race day stalls.

His rider, Zac Purton, eased him out of the race at the top of the straight when he felt the horse was in some form of trouble.

The second incident was caused by a ratbag waving a flag as the horses were returning to the mounting yard after the race, the result Araldo, who finished seventh in the Cup, was spooked, lashing out making contact with a fence fracturing a hind leg that was inoperable, the horse had to be put down.

A small consulation for the owners who paid $500,000, with the dream of winning the Melbourne Cup.

Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist

Jockey, Ryan Moore, appeared to take the win as just another race, or that is how it appeared, he didn’t get excited or over exuberant or none of the antics we see from some jockeys resembling Cossack riders acting up, he didn’t take his cap off until reaching the scales when handing it to chief steward, Terry Bailey, before he weighed in.

Ryan was singing the praises of the winner, the German bred Protectionist, “he won very easily, like a good horse, they went at a strong pace, there was a lot of speed on early, I was struggling to find a position.”

“So I dropped back on the rail and followed Mutual Regard before he gave in, I was just searching for splits, I had so much horse underneath me.”

“Andreas Wohler is a brilliant trainer, he has a fine record, I am very pleased for him, and its special for me, I have to thank Michelle at home with the kids, I have been a away a lot, but you have to try and win these races to make it worthwhile.” he added.

Andreas Wohler was over the moon, he is no stranger to winning major races around the world, he thanked Ryan for being so patient, he has nerves of steel.

“I selected a great jockey, the horse is a fine stayer, it was the perfect combination, “he said.

The time for the running of the race 3.17.71, it was the fastest time recorded since Media Puzzle took the Cup back to Ireland, he ran 3.16.9.

Andreas Wohler and Ryan Moore with the Trophy