Thousands of racegoers flocked to Melbourne’s prestigious Moonee Valley Racecourse on Saturday for the running of the 2017 Cox Plate.
Despite somewhat cloudy conditions, punters were spotted out in their droves as they settled in to enjoy the 10 races of the day.
Among them is the $3,000,000 title race, with fan favourite Winx tipped to take out the title for the third consecutive time.
Thousands of racegoers flocked to Melbourne’s prestigious Moonee Valley Racecourse on Saturday for the running of the 2017 Cox Plate
The highlight of the day was expected to be the $3,000,000 title race, with fan favourite Winx tipped to take out the title for the third consecutive time
Many got into the toasting spirit early drinking beverages from holders adorned with the prized mare’s name.
While one man appeared to use the downtime between races to take a cheeky nap, all the while cradling a drink in his outstretched hand.
Turning attention from the track to the fashion in the field, many of the women were spotted embracing the Spring Racing Carnival in bright floral frocks.
Fuschia proved a popular colour among the crowd, while others donned pastel pinks, splashes of vibrant red or stuck to classic black.
Many got into the toasting spirit early drinking beverages from holders adorned with the prized mare’s name
Despite somewhat cloudy conditions, punters were spotted out in their droves as they settled in to enjoy the 10 races of the day
One man appeared to use the downtime between races to take a cheeky nap, cradling a drink in his outstretched hand
The gates opened at Royal Randwick from 11am, with the coveted Cox Plate run at 5pm in the second last slot of the day.
Should Winx be successful in the race, the mare would become only the second horse to win three consecutive Cox Plates alongside Kingston Town.
The race record for the 2040m sprint currently belongs to better Loosen Up, who ran a time of two minutes and one second in 1990.
The excitement of Winx’s historic attempt spilled over into the revellers outfits too it seemed, with one man wearing a suit emblazoned with the horses previous wins.
The excitement of Winx’s historic attempt spilled over into the revellers outfits too it seemed, with one man wearing a suit emblazoned with the horses previous wins
Many punters were cheering Winx on, with the mare aiming to become only the second horse to win three consecutive Cox Plates
Among the many celebrity attendees at the festival was former cricketer Shane Warne, who looked dapper in a charcoal grey suit.
Among the many celebrity attendees at the festival was former cricketer Shane Warne, who looked dapper in a charcoal grey suit.
While off the shoulder numbers proved popular, along with high-necked dresses and frilled frocks.
And many of the girls were seen making the most of the opportunities between frivolities as they found a spot to sit down.
Many of the girls were seen making the most of the opportunities between frivolities as they found a spot to sit down.
Several guests were snapped in off-the-shoulder numbers or strapless gowns, despite the cool 20 degree weather
Despite the lack of sun, two women knew to keep hydrated as the day wore on grasping glasses in one hand and water in the other
One woman opted against trend to don a playful two-piece, while another managed to keep her elaborate beaded lace number spotless
Others still were spotted tucking into food as they chatted and watched the fun unfold on the track.
Dazzling headpieces were also on show, whether they be bows, flower crowns or wispy fascinators.
And what race day could be complete without a selfie, with plenty of girls perfecting their pouts as they posed for the perfect photo.
Dazzling headpieces were also on show, whether they be bows, flower crowns or wispy fascinators
Some groups were spotted tucking into food as they chatted and watched the fun unfold on the track
And what race day could be complete without a selfie, with plenty of girls perfecting their pouts as they posed for the perfect photo
Eight horses were expected to contest the Co Plate, with Michelle Payne’s mount Kaspersky scratched due to injury.
The win would be her 22nd in a row, with the mare looking relaxed as she was brought to her stall Saturday afternoon.
Plenty of punters took the chance to see the mare up close and personal before the running, with huge crowds milling about the stable area.
If Winx wins it will be her 22nd in a row, with the mare looking relaxed as she was brought to her stall Saturday afternoon (pictured)
Plenty of punters took the chance to see the mare up close and personal before the running, with huge crowds milling about the stable area