Protectionist has made a successful comeback in Germany to claim his first win since the 2014 Melbourne Cup.

At Dusseldorf on Sunday, Protectionist ran out an easy 3-1/4 length-winner of a ratings race over 2000 metres.

The six-year-old stayed in Australia with trainer Kris Lees after his Cup win but failed to recapture winning form and last spring was found to be suffering bone bruising in all four fetlocks.

His owners Australian Bloodstock sent him back to Andreas Wohler late last year hoping for more forgiving tracks in Europe.

Wohler is now eyeing off a Group Two race over 2400 metres for Protectionist's next start.

"I'll take it race by race but the Hansa-Preis at Hamburg in four weeks will be his next race," Wohler said.