Throngs of Canberrans clad in suits, dresses and spectacular fascinators descended on Thoroughbred Park yesterday, celebrating the running of the Melbourne Cup under clear skies and a beautiful spring sun.
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The crowd numbered more than 6000 people, according to organisers, which was just above last year, but well below the 2009 figure, when Canberra still had a public holiday for the cup.
Thoroughbred Park sales and marketing manager Briony Young said the event had attracted a much bigger crowd than expected.
''With such beautiful weather, what better way to watch the Melbourne Cup than outside at the races,'' Ms Young said.
Ms Young described the behaviour of the crowd as ''fantastic'', saying there was a friendly relationship with police, despite four separate incidents involving fights and scuffles throughout the afternoon.
As always, the Fashions on the Field contest drew almost as much attention as the races themselves, and the Thoroughbred Park ensembles didn't disappoint this year.
Sarah Mitchell's fortnight spent handcrafting her outfit's crowning touch paid off handsomely yesterday when she won first place in the Classic Ladies Race Wear.
Ms Mitchell, a University of Canberra education student of Theodore, said she had designed her own hat so as to infuse it with her personal style.
Colour blocking and minimalism were her sartorial statements.
''Winning means a lot to me,'' she said.
''Race-day style means elegance and sophistication. It's good to see girls dressing with a bit of class.''
Despite his broken umbrella and a wilted yellow rose boutonniere, Wagga Wagga man Benjamin Penfold managed to secure first place in the Classic Men's Race Wear contest.
The carpenter by day and DJ by night topped off his tailored suit with a crisp hat scrounged from a charity shop.
His victory surprised him.
''I thought it was a pretty good outfit but I didn't think it was good enough to win,'' he said.
Hurdler Tristan Thomas, of Downer, and public servant Sally Pola, of Fadden, nabbed the top prize in the Classic Couples Race Wear division.
This was even though they were not a couple as such. ''We just met half an hour ago,'' Ms Pola admitted. They have a friend in common.
Mr Thomas said, ''Given that we just met, we go pretty well together.''
Ms Pola entrusted her look to stylist Kerry McGlone who is also a milliner. Ms McGlone designed her hat and bag and selected Mr Thomas' tie in a shade of orange that happened to match Ms Pola's accessories.
Ms Pola said winning was all about confidence and being right on trend.
Mr Thomas added, ''Have a go and back yourself, whether you think you look good or not.''
The Millinery Award went to Kayla O'Connell, of Bungendore, for her bold and bright hat. The hot pink and orange creation was made by her sister Beth.
