The day after winning the Melbourne Cup, Protectionist was in better shape than his trainer Andreas Wohler.

Despite running the fourth fastest time in the 154-year history of the Melbourne Cup, Protectionist came through the race in fantastic order.

But a night of celebration had taken its toll on Wohler when he fronted up at the Werribee quarantine centre to inspect his Melbourne Cup winner.

“I didn’t have as much stamina as Protectionist,” Wohler said.

“It (the celebrating) finished earlier than was planned and it looks like the horse is in better condition than what I am.

“He’s eaten up and makes a good impression after the race.”

With Perfectionist set to join trainer Kris Lees’s Newcastle stable, Wohler said he would return to Werribee once more to see the Melbourne Cup winner before heading home to Germany.

And Wohler believes there is improvement to come from the lightly raced Protectionist, a scary thought for rivals following his four-length demolition under Ryan Moore.

Wohler said he had had little time to reflect on the victory of Protectionist who became the third international galloper to win the Melbourne Cup in the last five years.

“After the race I was so busy,” Wohler said.

“I had a little bit of time on the way back from the track to the hotel but I wanted a moment with Ryan to have a look at the replay because we didn’t have a moment after the race.”

Wohler believes that unless Australians change from breeding for speed, internationals will continue to plunder Melbourne Cup riches.

He said the deaths of Admire Rakti and Araldo had taken an edge off celebrations as the whole international contingent at Werribee was like a family.

“It’s always sad when you hear that sort of news,” Wohler said.

“These things can happen in the paddock as well and what happened to Araldo was a freak accident.

“I feel very sorry for both horses.”