Protectionist wins Melbourne Cup, favourite dies (Reuters)

MELBOURNE (Reuters) – German raider Protectionist timed his finishing burst to perfection to win the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, but the race was overshadowed by the death of two horses including favourite Admire Rakti, who collapsed and died after finishing last. Araldo, who finished seventh in the A$6.2 million ($5.38 million) race, was later euthanised after injuring its hind leg in a freak accident after the race. The deaths at the “race that stops a nation” are sure to reignite the debate over the welfare of horses in the sport. …