- Almost 25,000 people packed into Caulfield Racecourse for historic cup
- Much of the most colorful action took place outside the $5 million race.
All eyes may have been glued to the track during the country’s iconic Caulfield Cup race on Saturday, but some of the most colorful action actually took place off the field.
Nearly 25,000 people flocked to Caulfield Racecourse for what has become the biggest draw of Melbourne’s annual Spring Racing Carnival.
Although persistent rain on Friday threatened to overshadow the festivities, drizzle gave way to sunny spells on Saturday and the mercury eventually peaked at around 18C.
Irish-born gelding Duke De Sessa took out the historic cup, which has been held since 1879, with skilled jockey Harry Coffey overcoming a late challenge from crowd favorite Buckaroo.
And trainer Ciaron Maher became the first person in history to win the Caulfield Cup in Melbourne and Everest, 750 kilometers to the north, at Sydney’s Royal Randwick on the same day.
But he wasn’t the only one celebrating.
With almost 25,000 punters crammed into Caulfield for the historic cup, some racegoers had to think laterally to get a prime view of the track.
Others chose to pursue their own careers outside of official fields.
There was a lot of fun and frivolity on the part of the punters and partygoers.
At first, the meticulously dressed and wealthy crowd was excellent and appropriate…
…but soon those heels disappeared and they started running, and even used to do the occasional ‘shoey’
That’s when the real party began on what has become one of the most popular days in Melbourne’s annual Spring Racing Carnivale calendar.
While not everyone was able to back the winner in the first meeting of the $5 million bracket, there were more than enough thrills and spills on the track to keep the most discerning bettors and partygoers.
As always, in the early afternoon, there was the annual group of well-heeled racegoers struggling to stay on their feet.
But overall, the fun-loving crowd knew when to reign supreme, whether at the bar or during impromptu races they organized themselves after riding their mates on the course.
And at the end of the day, there was a feeling of love in the air, with many public displays of affection throughout the racecourse.
Racing’s true tragedies will only have a couple of days to regroup before the Geelong Cup on Wednesday, while others will plan another day of fun and festivities at the Cox Plate in Moonee Valley next weekend.
The fashion stakes couldn’t have been much at Caulfield Racecourse…
…with men and women doing their best to impress at their finest.
For some racing fans, it all becomes too much during an action-packed day at the track.
Although chairs were scarce for those who needed a break from their high heels
At the end of the day, there were many obstacles for race attendees to overcome.
For many, the day of the draw ended with a kiss.