Tens of thousands of revellers flocked to Flemington Racecourse for the third time this week on Thursday – with moods running high and inhibitions low.
More than 70,000 packed the Melbourne track for Oaks Day, also known as Ladies Day, but many found the raucous week on the race calendar too much.
Photographs capturing the aftermath of the boozy event showed racegoers spilling out on the lawns of the grounds – some with less clothes on than they entered with.
One woman was so worn out by the day’s festivities that she relieved herself in the bushes, taking refuge on a wall with her underwear rolled halfway down her thighs.
Tens of thousands of revellers flocked to Flemington Racecourse for the third time this week
For some exhibitionists, there was only one way possible to celebrate the success of the day
One woman found herself in need of taking a break, using a small wall as refuge
Unfortunately for the woman she attracted the wrong kind of attention
Unsympathetic police converged on the woman who was consoled by her friend
A woman consoled her tearful friend as the afternoon wore on and the champagne flowed
More than 70,000 packed the track for Oaks Day, also known as Ladies Day, but many found the raucous week on the Melbourne calendar too much
Tuesday’s big race and bigger celebrations weren’t enough to deter another huge crowd rolling in, with a stunning 21C on show for those in attendance.
As the sunlight descended, so too did the behaviour, with punters on the lawn celebrating the money won and commiserating the bets lost.
The classy early showing of creativity and fashion descended into well-intended and well-humoured disorder as the afternoon dragged on.
Punters on the lawn celebrated money won – or lost – with alcoholic beverages
The thrills and spills on and off the track where almost too much for some punters to contain
Melbourne’s perfect spring weather meant some people got a bit too much sun
As the sun began to set on the day’s festivites many of the racegoers were ready to go home
The classy early showing of creativity and fashion turned into an obnoxious display of well-intended and well-humoured disorder
One inspired racing fan went in search of her own animal to ride
However, her stallion became fractious, kicking the female jockey off
Despite this, the woman clearly in high spirits, even allowed him to return the favour
Racing fans spilled out along the lawns of the grounds in the later hours of Thursday, with moods running high and inhibitions low
For some the action proved all too much, with one man opting to take a nap
Light spring colours such as pink and orange were a popular choice among attendees, while some women opted for bright red dresses or classic black gowns.
Several stylish punters adorned their head with delicate fascinators or metallic crowns.
This week’s festivities kicked off with on Saturday November 4 with Derby Day.
About 100,000 punters attended the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, watching on as unlikely winner Rekindling was the first to cross the finish line, taking home a giant $3.2 million in prize money for six-time winning owner Lloyd Williams.
Thousands of punters flocked to Oaks Day to celebrate women’s day of racing
Neutral dresses were the popular choice this Ladies Day with bright pops of colour
Thousands stepped out in their best frocks for Ladies Day at Flemington Racecourse
A leg up from the rest: While some may still be recovering from the Melbourne Cup, thousands of punters have descended upon Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse again for Oaks Day
Oaks Day – otherwise known as Ladies Day – kicked off on Thursday morning as revellers poured through the front gates
The crowd was pictured enjoying the sunshine while chatting and posing with friends
Some women were seen stocking up on beverages as a way to beat the lines (pictured)
The crowd was pictured enjoying the warm 21C weather and chatting with friends while soaking up the sunshine
Delicate crowns were a popular choice among revellers this year
Light spring colours such as pink and orange were a popular choice among attendees, while some women opted for bright red dresses or classic black gowns
A trio of brightly dressed friends pose together for a photo on Oaks Day
Some attendees opted to shade themselves from rare sunny Melbourne weather with umbrellas