Tens of thousands of punters will unite as one on Tuesday to celebrate the race that stops the nation.
A huge crowd is tipped to make their way to the iconic track at Flemington for Australia’s most famous horse race – the Melbourne Cup.
Race goers will more than likely have to brave the inclement weather, with heavy rains and flash flooding predicted.
But a little bit of rain never hurt anybody, with an estimated 100,000 racegoers dealing with the drizzle last year in what was one the most memorable race days on record.
The internet fell in love with a woman wearing a tight blue dress and eating fairy floss at the Melbourne Cup in 2016 – later identified as 18-year-old makeup artist Karly Tsivoglou
Meanwhile another punter made headlines throughout the country when she decided to ride a bin as if it were a horse
Paris Jackson, daughter of music royalty Michael Jackson, having a ‘Wacko Jacko’ moment at the 2017 Melbourne Cup
Geoffrey Edelsten famously asks Gabi Grecko (pictured right) to marry him at the Melbourne Cup in 2014
But the annual staging of the Melbourne Cup isn’t without its controversies as alcohol flows during the day.
Paris Jackson, the daughter of pop star Michael Jackson, generated plenty of headlines 12 months ago after she was photographed puckering up to a window with an unknown man’s tie around her neck.
Jackson, who was a VIP guest of Myer in the Birdcage, also reportedly refused to wear a gown specially designed by fashion royalty Alex Perry.
She matched her gypsy-inspired gown with a pair of ankle boots by designer Tony Bianco after being told she wasn’t allowed to wear cowboy boots in the celebrity filled Birdcage.
The aspiring actress, who loves to be referred to as a ‘free spirit’ – then left Flemington before the main race.
At the 2016 Cup, the internet fell in love with a woman wearing a tight blue dress eating fairy floss – later identified as 18-year-old makeup artist Karly Tsivoglou.
The same year, another racegoer turned plenty of heads when she decided to ride a wheelie bin as if it were a horse – with her housemate Tyler Johnson and a bemused security guard watching on.
Police have been kept very busy in recent years, famously arresting a young woman in a blue dress who pushed a stunned officer into a garden bed in 2015.
Sarah Finn was later charged with assault.
A year earlier, punters were treated to one of the most bizarre proposals ever seen at the track.
Their outrageous outfits were already a huge talking point in 2014 – but punters were left even more stunned when businessman Geoffrey Edelsten dropped to one knee and proposed to model Gabi Grecko, despite the fact the couple were already engaged.
The US-born model, 25, said ‘yes’ and accepted Geoff’s elaborate ‘pear-shaped’ diamond ring.
Evidence of a day well spent was seen left, right and centre when the Cup drew thousands to Flemington a year ago
Some racegoers have been left worse for wear after the races, including this duo who tripped and fell into the bushes
This iconic picture of a racegoer being wheeled around by his mates was taken during the 2016 Melbourne Cup
One daring man tried to scale umbrella in 2017, at one point standing on the back of an accomplice and later clambering atop a high stack of milk crates
But police were quick to shut down the antics before either men could have hurt themselves in a fall
Police were in full force at last Saturday’s Cox Plate and will increase their presence on Tuesday in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour.
Excited racing fans are already hyped up, lining the streets of Melbourne’s CBD for the annual Cup parade on Monday.
Parts of the city were brought to a standstill as crowds fought to catch a glimpse of the iconic trophy and previous winning trainers as well as jockeys.
Other racegoers in need of a rest after a long day in the sun take a seat wherever they can find on
One female reveller opted for ankle strapping from busy event safety staff as opposed to high heels
About 100,000 people flocked to the Melbourne Cup a year ago, with a similar amount projected for 2018’s event
24 horses run in the Melbourne Cup each year, launching from the barriers at 3pm over 3200 metres.
It is a race offering plenty of value for those willing to gamble their hard earned cash.
Gai Waterhouse’s Fiorente was the last short-priced favourite to flash past the winning post ahead of the field in 2013.
The first race starts just before 11am, with gates opening at 8:30am.
Punters weren’t afraid to show off a bit of skin in their spring attire, despite persistent rain throughout the day
As the day wears on some attendees feel the need to take a tactical nap to recharge their batteries
The day’s proceedings became a bit too much for some racegoers, who opted for a quick nap in the grass of the racecourse