A late sprint in the final 200 meters (660 feet) of the 3.2-kilometer race by German-owned horse Protectionist secured victory on Tuesday at Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse in the Melbourne Cup. Protectionist came in ahead of Red Cadeaux from Britain and New Zealand's Who Shot Thebarman. It marks the first time ever a German horse has won the Australian race, a popular event which is known as "the race that stops the nation" and doles out nearly $5.4 million (4.3 million euros) in prize money.

Ryan Moore from Great Britain rode Protectionist in the race, and his German trainer, Andreas Wohler, and owner, Christoph Berglar, were both on hand.

"For me it's the first time that I have ever been in Melbourne," said Berglar after the race. "It was an unforgettable day."

Protectionist was considered among the favorites going into the race, but topping the list was Admire Rakti of Japan. However, Admire Rakti finished in last place. Afterward, the horse collapsed and died when it reached the stable.

"Our vets are on hand and the horse will undergo an autopsy," Racing Victoria chief steward Terry Bailey said. "We will have to await those results for the cause of the death."

The race marked the 154th edition of the Melbourne Cup, which falls on a public holiday in the city.

mz/mkg (AP, AFP, dpa)