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England's Moore wins Melbourne Cup but two horses die

Jockey Ryan Moore celebrates after winning the Melbourne Cup on Protectionist © Getty Images

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English jockey Ryan Moore won the Melbourne Cup riding Protectionist but two horses died after the race.

Moore secured a four-length win with his 7-1 chance, trained by Andreas Wohler, with British challenger Red Cadeaux second and New Zealand runner Who Shot Thebarman third.

"He's a very good horse with a very strong pace. Once he got the space, he was amazing," said Moore. "Obviously it's very special. I've got to thank [wife] Michelle at home with the kids because being away a lot it's hard for her, so you need to win these races for it to be worthwhile."

However, there were mixed emotions at Flemington Racecourse with favourite Admire Rakti, who faded and finished last, collapsing and dying after the 154th running of Australia's most famous race.

Seventh-placed Araldo was then put down after suffering a serious hind leg injury in a freak post-race accident, having been taken for treatment in an equine clinic.

A spokesman for Racing Victoria said Araldo had been spooked by a flag being waved in the crowd while returning to the mounting yard, and kicked out at a fence.

"It is with sadness that we confirm that Araldo has had to be humanely euthanised as a result of the injury it suffered in a freak accident following the Emirates Melbourne Cup," Racing Victoria head of veterinary and equine welfare, Dr Brian Stewart, said.

"The horse received immediate veterinary care and was transported to the University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital, however, sadly the fracture in its pastern was not repairable.

"The owners made the decision to humanely euthanise Araldo in the best interests of the horse."

Three Melbourne Cup horses had suffered fatal injuries in the 35 years before the 2014 running.

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