Early rain was not enough to dampen spirits ahead of the 166th running of the Melbourne Cup, with thousands descending on Flemington in their finest to watch the race that stops a nation.
The wet start to the morning was forecast to transform into a mild spring day with a top of 17 degrees Celsius as the event got underway prior to the 3pm (AEDT) running of the cup.
Some punters are compelled to run to secure the best spots early at the Melbourne Cup. (AAP: Martin Keep)
Victoria Racing Club chief executive Kylie Rogers said the Cup was a key date in the city’s calendar.
“Melburnians love a major event and the Melbourne Cup carnival was the original major event,”
she said.
Ms Rogers said the fact that 60 per cent of general admission ticket holders across the carnival were aged under 35 showed its appeal.
“It’s really important for sports administrators to be offering more than just the sport at these carnivals,” she said.
Colour is well and truly on show at the 2026 Melbourne Cup. (ABC News: Ethan White)
“The way we’re meshing fashion, great food and wine, terrific music acts — we’ve got Robbie Williams playing today, 75 minutes of Robbie Williams — amongst our racing … there really is something for everyone.
“Our attendances are up, our ratings are up, all our key metrics are up and it’s feeling really good.”
A dress painted with the Melbourne Cup and yellow roses worn by a spectator. (Getty Images: Josh Chadwick)
Among the business elite at the Birdcage marquee this year are the chief executives of Crown, Melbourne Airport, the Victoria Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Politicians and officials are also well represented with United Nations envoy and former foreign minister Julie Bishop, Trade Minister Don Farrell and the US ambassador to Australia, David Brat, in attendance.
Former foreign minister Julie Bishop at the Birdcage on Melbourne Cup Day. (Getty Images: Sam Tabone)
When he spoke to media ahead of Cup Day, Williams referred to Melbourne as “kind of my spiritual home”.
Robbie Williams’ performance is set to be a highlight of the 166th Melbourne Cup. (ABC News)
“Obviously this is an event that is ingrained in your hearts and the way that people talk about it is with reverence,” he said.
“I’m taking this very seriously. These are my mates.”
He said he was backing horse number 24, Shockletz, after initially mishearing its name as “chocolates”.
A day out with friends appeals to many at the historic racing event. (AAP: Martin Keep)
Racegoer James Kolakowski said he was hopeful of making it into the top three contenders for fashion on the field.
James Kolakowski decided to stand out with just a touch of colour in his outfit. (ABC News: Ethan White)
“I went white and cream today,” he said.
“I thought a nice blank canvas might make the blue pop.
“I went closer to a cobalt type of blue so hopefully I do OK in fashions on the field today, and hopefully have a good day at the races,” he said.
Racegoer Emma was wearing Millinery Jill and Valentino. (ABC News)
Another attendee, Emma, was donned in a hat by local milliner, Millinery Jill and Valentino shoes and dress.
She said fashion was the “real winner” at the cup, but that she enjoyed all aspects.
“I cannot wait,” Emma said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Robbie Williams later as well and [I’ve] got plenty of bets on the horses today.”
Crowds watch Damian Lane ride Amelia’s Affair to victory in the Darley Maribyrnong Plate during Melbourne Cup Day. (Getty Images: Quinn Rooney)
Farrier of almost 30 years, John Bunting, earlier spoke to ABC 774 Melbourne about working with 19 horses taking part in the carnival this year.
He said racing rules around horse shoes, including that each individual shoe must weigh less than 150 grams, were in place to protect the safety of both jockeys and the horses.
