Glammed-up punters trade fascinators for face masks at Flemington for Derby Day in Melbourne

Scores of eager punters have already made their way through the gates at Flemington ahead of Derby Day in Melbourne.

Racing enthusiasts were seen matching fascinators with face masks, with a capped crowd of 5,500 spectators expected to mark the start of the four-day Melbourne Cup carnival.

The first race will see jockeys jump from the barriers at 12.20pm, with the Group One Victoria Derby over 2500 metres the feature event at 3.45pm.

Horses will jump from the barriers for the first race at 12.20pm, with the feature event the Group One Victoria Derby at 3.45pm

Fascinators are tipped to be replaced by face masks for Derby Day today at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne

Punters were seen eagerly making their way through the gates on Saturday morning at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne

Earlier on Saturday, Victoria recorded 1355 locally acquired Covid-19 infections and 11 deaths.

It brings the total number of active cases in the state to 21,095 and the death toll from the latest outbreak to 293.

And in welcome news, the border between Melbourne and the regions has now come down.

Capacity limits have been increased for restaurants, pubs, cafes and indoor entertainment venues – with gyms and retail now also re-open for fully vaccinated patrons.

Derby Day at Flemington marks the start of the Melbourne Cup carnival, with the race that stops a nation on Tuesday

In a sign of modern-day times, a Covid check-in is required for punters at Flemington Racecourse for Derby Day