While the glitz and the glamour of Melbourne’s Spring Carnival may have passed for this year, it seems the famous races are still underway.
Punters moved their attention to another Victorian city on Saturday, for the running of the prestigious Ballarat Cup.
Crowds enjoyed dazzling 27-Celsius weather on the sunny spring day, with fashions on the field and the $300,000 title race keeping guests occupied.
Crowds enjoyed dazzling 27C weather on the sunny spring day, with one woman giving her best Marilyn Monroe impression after an unfortunate gust of wind kicked up her dress
Pastel colours and floral patterns were a popular choice among the women’s frocks, with plenty donning matching fascinators.
Some racegoers carried beverages, attempting to quench their thirst on the hot day, while others accessorised with dark shades to keep the glare at bay.
One woman gave her best Marilyn Monroe impression after an unfortunate gust of wind kicked up her dress.
While another punter appeared to get a jump start on protecting her sore feet, swapping out her high heels for a pair of white flats early in the day.
While the glitz and the glamour of Melbourne’s Spring Carnival may have passed for this year, punters attention moved to another Victorian city on Saturday, for the running of the prestigious Ballarat Cup
Another punter appeared to get a jump start on protecting her sore feet, swapping out her high heels for a pair of white flats early in the day
Others opted to walk through the gates in their sensible footwear, while others headed to the stands to watch all the action unfold.
More than $1million of prize money is up for grabs on the day, with the running of the $300,000 Sportsbet Ballarat Cup, as well as the Magic Millions two-year-old Classic.
But off the track there was plenty of events to keep racegoers happy, with Fashions on the Field, live bands and plenty of food.
And while most of the racing will be undertaken by the horses, the traditional ‘reverse running race’ will see one person crowned the $10,000 champion.
Racegoers put on their best frocks to see the running of the $300,000 Sportsbet Ballarat Cup, as well as the Magic Millions two-year-old Classic
And while most of the racing will be undertaken by the horses, some of the more enthusiastic punters will take part in the traditional ‘reverse running race’, which will see one crowned the $10,000 champion
The Ballarat Cup has a long and dramatic history, with the first running taking place back in 1864.
The 1895 cup was almost cancelled following a fire that destroyed the Grandstand, leaving racegoers to enjoy the day under canvas shelters instead.
Thirteen horses are expected to jump in this year’s main race, competing over a distance of 2,200m.
Some patrons opted to head to the stands to watch all the action unfold early in the day, cooling off in the shade