Flemington crowds embrace Cup Day colour despite grey skies
Thousands of fashionably dressed punters packed Flemington despite gloomy weather and forecast drizzle.
A gloomy Melbourne morning failed to dampen the energy at Flemington Racecourse as crowds arrived early to stake their spot for the $10.2 million race. Sharply dressed punters lined up well before the 9am gates opened, keen to claim prime positions on the lawn.
Queensland stablehand Ruby Pearse made the trip in a bright yellow gown, calling the Queensland tracks tiny by comparison. Fashions on the Field contestants travelled from Perth to enter the competition, drawing daisy-inspired designs for their outfits.
Champion trainer Ciaron Maher's record-breaking seven runners in the field are set to excite racing fans. British singer Robbie Williams will perform an hour-long show in the Mounting Yard after the final race.
Despite a cloudy top of just 17C and morning drizzle, conditions were expected to clear by 3pm for the race.
- $10.2 million
- Race purse
- 17 degrees Celsius
- Temperature
- 7 in the field
- Ciaron Maher runners
- 9am
- Gates opening time
Why it mattersThe Cup is one of Australia's biggest cultural events, and the style and spectacle draw tourists and locals alike.
AustraliaCup Day is a major event for Melbourne and Victoria, attracting tens of thousands and generating significant economic activity across hospitality and fashion.
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