For a few minutes this afternoon, Australia stopped and held its breath as the horses in the 154th Melbourne Cup jolted from their barriers and began the 3,200m journey around Flemington Racecourse.
What happened next was a victory that'll be etched in the memories of the 100,000 strong crowd at Flemington, as well as the millions of viewers around the nation.
German stayer, Protectionist, galloped ahead and won by about three lengths, ahead of Red Cadeaux and Who Shot Thebarman.
Protectionist is half owned by Rutherford-based syndicate Australian Bloodstock.
The horse came to Australia as the winner of the 3,000m Prix de Kergolay in France, a race won by eventual Melbourne Cup winner Americain in 2010.
Before the Melbourne Cup, syndicate member Jamie Lovett was quietly confident about the horse's abilities.
"He's certainly one of these European stayers that're bred to run the two mile. We feel quite confident that he'll run the trip," he said.
"Certainly he's got that little bit of class about him.
"[So] we're entitled to have a little bit of confidence that he'll run well. He's got the credentials to certainly be somewhere in amongst them."
Mr Lovett said the horse's connections were well prepared for the hype and festivities that come with the Melbourne Cup.
"I think anyone that spends a week down here prior to the race realise that it's not just a horse race- the whole of Melbourne (and Australia) embrace it.
"We know what to expect on the day, but I don't think anything really prepares you for when they're loading them into the gates for the Melbourne Cup," said Mr Lovett.
"It's certainly a very exciting time."
Next stop for Protectionist will be Newcastle, where the horse will prepare for the Autumn racing season.
"After the race he'll come to Newcastle; and win, lose or draw, we'll give him a preparation for the championships in the Autumn in Sydney.
"There's a bit to look forward to with the horse."
Jamie Lovett spoke to 1233 ABC Newcastle Mornings presenter, Jill Emberson.
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