Protectionist wins the Melbourne Cup

Five-year-old German stallion Protectionist has taken out the 2014 Melbourne Cup.

Protectionist (5) led England's Red Cadeaux (4) with New Zealand's Who Shot Thebarman (12) third. 

In the minutes after the win, trainer Andreas Wohler said Protectionist had many wins around the world, but: "It's overwhelming here, it's the biggest thrill".

He said British-born jockey Ryan Moore was "patient" with his mount over the 3200m track.

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After a crush out of the barriers, Signoff took the lead in the early stages but outsider My Ambivalent took the lead around the first minute, leading a length and a half to favourite Admire Rakti.

A fast start to the race then prompted Brambles and Red Cadeaux to lead the chase into the final straight, with 400m to go.

Admire Rakti was the clear favourite going into the race after taking out the Caulfield Cup, but ended up coming in last. Within half an hour of the race's conclusion, he had died in his stall.

Last year's Caulfield Cup winner, Fawkner, was owner Lloyd Williams' lone runner after the scratching of Sea Moon yesterday due to an elevated temperature.

Cavalryman, one of Dubai’s Godolphin stable, was scratched this morning due to swelling in the leg, leaving the field at 22.