Undeterred by rain, drizzle and cloudy weather, punters have flocked to the races for Saturday’s prestigious Caulfield Cup.
Up to 30,000 of the country’s most glamorous turned up at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne for one of Australia’s richest racing events.
As the rain got heavy the umbrellas came out, but revellers refused to let the downpour dampen their race day spirits, sheltering their drinks from the elements.
Some were dressed to impress, while others opted for more adventurous attire, but as the champagne flowed some punters began looking decidedly worse for wear.
The shoeys had already started by early afternoon, and an array of interesting costumes were already on display, from carrot outfits to people in jockey attire.
As the rain came down at Caulfield Racecourse some were caught unprepared, but soon improvised and the party rolled on
Fast becoming an obligatory ritual at the races, the shoey took centre-stage for these punters at the Caulfield Racecourse
Rain rain go away! Dedicated punters warded off the drizzle and an odd downpour with high spirits and a few extra drinks
As the afternoon progressed and the big race got closer the crowds worked themselves up into a frenzy, with one especially exuberant gentleman celebrating a big win with brolly in hand.
Not all came prepared with umbrellas and raincoats, and those caught off guard were forced to improvise during the mid-afternoon showers, some opting to use picnic blankets as makeshift rain shelters.
Others used elaborate race day headwear, and one cheeky punter was even spotted using a pillow to keep the rain off her face.
Rain hail or shine, nothing was going to stop the show on Caulfield Cup race day with punters partying on undaunted
Smirnoff to the races? Revellers at the races refused to let a bit of Melbourne rain put a dampening on their big day out
A big win! Tie askew and umbrella in hand, this gentleman was overcome with delight as the races unfolded on Saturday
The champagne did not stop flowing despite a wet and windy day at the Caulfield Cup, punters partying on regardless
No umbrella? No worries! This lady’s elaborate hairdo may not have been built to ward off the rain, but a pillow did the trick
Is that a boater hat? Not even a mid-afternoon downpour could dampen the spirits of this man and his black hat ensemble
This punter came prepared! Instead of scrambling for a pillow or a picnic blanket, this lady had her umbrella ready to go up
Undeterred by drizzly and cloudy Melbourne weather, this pair of punters turned up at Caulfield dressed in their race day best
This vegetable-loving racegoer didn’t carrot all about the clouds overhead, baring his arms despite the late October chill
Hugh Bowman, is that you? Some opted against suits and the latest fashions, preferring to pay tribute to favourite jockeys
Get a shoe-full of this! Caulfield race day was just getting started when these lads decided it was time for a desert boot bevvy
This gentleman might have soggy socks after an epic shoey at the races, his mates lining up to join him for a boot full of beer