And the 10,000 punters screaming home Verry Elleegant were more than just the first crowds back at Flemington in who knows how long.

It was the sound of a nation - and especially the hard-hit state of Victoria, the most locked-down city in the world - re-emerging from the darkness that's been the coronavirus pandemic.

Hopefully, in a year's time, when the next first Tuesday in November rolls around it will be back to the usual 100,000 fans frocking to Flemington.

But for now this will do. Everything has to start somewhere. And what a way to start.

As if to mark the occasion, it was a new beginning for a champion trainer and a champion jockey. Both of whom had never tasted victory in the race that stops a nation.

Well now they have. And how have they.

Verry Elleegant didn't just win the 161st Melbourne Cup. She destroyed the field, bolting to a four-length victory.

The $2.90-favourite Incentivise had no answers, having led into the straight. He could only wave goodbye as the mare flashed by.

Spanish Mission was third. And for those in the sweeps, Ocean Billy was last.

For McDonald - and Waller - it was the second big win in a matter of weeks. First they climbed The Everest together, Sydney's mega-dollar sprint. And now they've mastered Australia's greatest staying race.

"I can't believe it. When I went for home I - I don't know, I don't know what I was thinking actually, I was just thinking, 'Where's that post?'," ," McDonald said on Channel 10.

"So much faith in that mare I just love her to bits. I'm speechless.

"I love her to bits. She's been so good to me. I can safely say she is a champion mare - 10 group 1s.

"She was relaxed the whole way. When I looked up about the 600m they were still just - I was blowing kisses to her the whole way.

"I don't know. I just can't believe what's happened. I never thought I'd ever win one. I always dreamed of winning one, but it's so hard to win.

"Dreams do come true. I love her to bits. I've been saying from Sunday onwards her fight and determination just takes her so far.

"I want to swear, I really do ... I just don't want this to end."

But would it really have mattered who won?

This (hopefully) marked the return to the way things were. There was hope in Melbourne, as a party vibe swept across the city. A city that's endured so much over the past 18 months.

Not once, but twice they lost their beloved AFL grand final.

There were no crowds at last year's Melbourne Cup.

This year there was enough room in the great expanse that is Flemington that it seemed every punter had their own table and umbrella. As if they were sitting in the beer garden down the local pub.

There was hardly anyone in the members area.

But it made it easy for McDonald to find his partner Katelyn Mallyon, who's also a former jockey.

Allowed them to enjoy the special moment without fighting thousands of punters.

She knows first hand how tough it is to win the Melbourne Cup. She only managed to ride in it twice.

And with the tough draw of one of the widest of 23 barriers, Mallyon wasn't overly confident her partner would be ending his Cup drought.

But he did. And hopefully a lot more than just that is over.

"In barrier 19 I thought it was going to be really hard for her and him," Mallyon said.

"I watched her down the end of the straight and the way he just parked her perfectly, the mare just relaxed for him.

"I just can't believe we won a Melbourne Cup. It's every jockey's dream as you know.

"It's something we all dream of doing and I get to live my dream through my beautiful partner James.

"To do it on such a wonderful mare that means a lot to us and our family it's awesome. I can't believe it."