Heavy morning rain did not prevent about 100,000 punters packing into Flemington racecourse on Tuesday for the running of the Melbourne Cup.
As the rains eased, revellers filled the lawns to make the most of what is Australia’s biggest social occasion.
While the most fancied runners in the Cup failed to produce, the crowd on hand did not let that spoil their fun.
While early weather reports threatened to ruin the race, many punters refused to let a little rain spoil their fun
Two men attempt to help a woman stand up. One man tactfully places his wine bottle into his mouth
This man delighted fellow racegoers by tipping his drink into his shoe during the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday
Women wearing horse heads pose with a man lying on the steps at the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday
One man had had enough of the fun and decided it was time to have a nap as the crowds dispersed
Women still dressed in dazzling outfits and fancy headgear, while men donned flash suits
The fashion-forward attendees had to compromise their garments for umbrella and clear rain ponchos to save them from the showers
Despite unfavourable conditions, racegoers still dressed for the occasion rather than the conditions, with women showcasing dazzling outfits and fancy headgear, while men donned flash suits.
Early races on the card had to be delayed as the rain was falling too fast to be absorbed by the turf, leaving dangerous pools of water on the surface.
Jockeys complained that the conditions in the early races were the ‘craziest’ they’d ever rode in.
Punters were soaked as the rain bucketed down.
The fashion-forward attendees had to compromise their well-planned outfits for umbrellas and clear rain ponchos to save them from the showers.
A woman was carried up the stairs after a long day of standing at the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday
A full day of fun was a bit too much for some, who felt they needed to rest their feet. They plopped to the ground for a glass of champagne
A woman in red celebrated the Melbourne Cup with a solo dance among the discarded cups
Many women struggled with their shoes in the wet and soggy conditions. Many racegoers chose to ditch the heels by the end of the day
By the end end of the day some people were in need of a good nap – with some opting for a quick snooze at the event
A woman gets a helping hand as she takes a moment to squat on the wet concrete after the race
The dramatic ending, with outsider Cross Counter taking victory didn’t dampen spirits. Many people celebrated after the race with boogie
The wet weather forced some revellers to improvise, saving their fancy frocks from the rain with a piece of plastic
Racegoers appeared to be in extremely high spirits in the lead up to the race, and the boisterous crowd cheered and danced throughout the day, with champagne flowing freely.
For many, the outcome of the race was almost an afterthought, but for the record, it was won by English galloper Cross Counter, who became the first English horse to win the Melbourne Cup and the first for the rich Godolphin stable which had been trying to win the event for over two decades.
The revelry was temporarily dampened by the death of another horse, The Cliffsofmoher, which was put down after shattering his right shoulder while passing the winning post on the opening lap.
Shoes proved to be too much for some by the end of the race. The pile of discarded items included bottles, heels and umbrellas
Gumboots were the fashion items of choice for these women who chose practical over pretty footwear
A man in a bright blue suit leans against a pink wall as he finishes off his drink at the event
One brave woman walked barefoot through the mud as her friends heels sank in the soaked grounds
As the day wore on some female racegoers found their heels a bit too much and discarded their shoes in a pile with empty bottles on the grass.
Some even broke the rules by throwing on gumboots to wear with their fancy frocks.
One brave woman walked barefoot through the mud as her friends’ heels sank in the soaked grounds.
By the end end of the day some people were in need of a good nap – with some opting for a quick snooze at the event.
One man was escorted from the Lexus Marquee by police.
Two blokes found themselves in a prickly situation after falling into a rosebush after the race
After a day of festivities, this guy looked ready for a break. His female friend is on her phone as a woman in black stands over the pair
A couple cosy up after the race following a day filled with champagne and festivities in Melbourne
Despite the rain, punters still made the most of the event the iconic track at Flemington for the Melbourne Cup
Women found time to touch up their make-up with help from friends, in between races on Tuesday.
Compared to previous years the crowd behaviour appeared tame. However one man was escorted from the Lexus Marquee by police
Throughout the day cause for celebration was widespread and champagne flowed freely around the track
Racegoers appeared to be in extremely high spirits in the wake of the race, as thousands put on enthusiastic displays with their friends
As horses dashed across the track, punters danced in celebration during the state-wide public holiday