It was all about Germany at the 2014 running of the AUD$6.2 million Emirates Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse.

Protectionist, trained in Germany by Andreas Wohler and ridden by British-star Ryan Moore, had to come from almost last as he battled hard to come through the field to go clear in the final 300 metres to land the ‘race that stops a nation’ by four lengths.

Red Cadeaux, trained in England by Ed Dunlop, finished runner-up for the third time in four years with the Glen Boss-partnered Who Shot Thebarman in third.

Barry Brown, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Commercial Operations East, presented the Emirates Melbourne Cup to Moore, Wohler and the winning connections of Protectionist.

Trackside, Emirates played host to celebrities and corporate guests in its luxurious German-themed hospitality marquee, including New York it-girl Gigi Hadid, wearing a stunning creation by Australian designer Alex Perry, American actor from The Bold and the Beautiful fame Ronn Moss, and British band Spandau Ballet, inside the fairy-tale fantasy German-themed marquee.

“Once again the Emirates Melbourne Cup has delivered a race to stop a nation, and what better way to further celebrate our German-themed marquee than with a German horse winning this world class race,” said Mr Brown.

“2014 marks Emirates’ 17th year of involvement with the Victoria Racing Club, and 11th year as Premier Partner of the Emirates Melbourne Cup.”

Emirates currently operates daily scheduled flights between Malta and Dubai via Larnaka, Cyprus.