Protectionist continues unbeaten run by winning Longines Grosser Preis von Berlin

Trained by Andreas Wöhler and ridden by Eduardo Pedroza, the 2014 Melbourne Cup winner did it the hard way by making all the running to secure a first European Group 1 victory.

Protectionist usually comes from off the pace but as none of his opponents were inclined to lead, Pedroza decided to take matters into his own hands and soon had him in a good rhythm.

Having stepped up the pace coming into the straight, Nightflower tried to mount a challenge at the two furlong marker, but Protectionist soon brushed her off and was in full control in the final stages.

Nightflower kept on for second, but was beaten by two-and-a-half lengths, with Guignol back in third.

Speaking afterward, trainer Wöhler added: “He [Protectionist ] has really thrived back in his old familiar surroundings, and it has been a real team job to get him back to top form. The intention now is to run in the Grosser Preis von Baden in three weeks and after that we shall consider our options.”

However connections suggest another attempt at the Melbourne Cup does not appear to be under consideration.

Prestige Swiss watchmaker Longines are the Official Timekeeper of the Hoppegarten racecourse located in the German capital having announced their new long-term partnership earlier this month.

The winning owner, trainer and jockey were each presented with a Longines watch by Rainer Eckert for Protectionist’s fine victory.

The Longines Positioning System, its technology of timekeeping in horseracing, was also used for the very first time in Europe at the Hoppegarten racecourse with the system used to time the eight races of the day, including the Longines Grosser Preis von Berlin.

This technology generates instant data on the exact position of horses during a race, race rankings, the distance between horses and speed, and boasts accuracy down to 5 centimetres and features up to 1,000 measurements per second.

Used for the very first time last year in Sydney, Australia, at the Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the Longines Positioning System sets a new standard for accurate and reliable timekeeping and tracking results that provides huge benefit to both the horseracing industry and enthusiasts.