Germany's Protectionist wins Melbourne Cup By Hilary Whiteman, CNN November 4, 2014 -- Updated 0513 GMT (1313 HKT) Admire Rakti during trackwork ahead of the Melbourne Cup at Werribee Racecourse on November 3, Australia. Race favorite, Japan's Admire Rakti dies immediately after race German-trained Protectionist takes cup by four lengths 100,000 people watched from the trackside at Flemington Racecourse (CNN) -- The favorite to win Australia's Melbourne Cup has died just minutes after finishing last in the country's richest horse race. Japan's Admire Rakti collapsed after being led back to its stall. An autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause of death. Just three weeks ago, the Tomoyuko Umeda-trained horse took first place in the Caulfield Cup, putting it in prime position to take out the prestigious race at Victoria's Flemington Racecourse. The horse's sudden death tempered celebrations for the winner, Protectionist, the first-ever German-trained horse to take the cup. The five year old won by four lengths, ahead of Red Cadeaux in second place, and Who Shot Thebarman in third. The Melbourne Cup is the biggest event on the country's racing calendar. There's a public holiday every year in Victoria, the southern state where the race is run. Elsewhere around the country, work stops and many schools pause to watch the race live on television.