Melbourne Cup 2016

Once again Melbourne Cup Day has come and gone leaving punters in a state of awe as they watched the thrilling finish to the race that stops a nation.

More than 97,000 people dolled themselves up and head out to Flemington yesterday to enjoy the race day public holiday with friends, family and a good time.

Flemington was transformed into a sea of colour after Derby Day’s black and white, with punters finding their brightest fascinators and suits to wow the crowd.

By 12pm races were in full swing and so were the festivities. The grass was covered in picnic rugs and people were strewn out on the lawn enjoying each other’s company.

Not even the constant bursts of rain and wind could keep racegoers away, instead using ponchos and building umbrella forts to protect themselves from mother nature until the clouds passed and the sun came out again causing a cheer from the crowd.

As the big race got closer, bookmakers became busier as punters hurried to place their last minute predictions hoping for their chosen horse to get over the line.

As the race time got closer everyone could be seen making their way onto the lawn or into the stands in search of finding the perfect spot to view the main event of the day.

Race 7 began with a roar from the crowd as the gates opened and the horses began to run. People excitedly cheering and watching intently as the jockeys could be seen bobbing up and down over the heads in the audience as they passed on the track in front.

As they came around the final bend you could hear the sound of the hooves beating on the track sparking more excitement throughout Flemington, punters aware the race was almost at the end and there would soon be a winner.

Melburnians collectively held their breath as the sprint to the finish line began, two horses racing side by side, it could still be either of them to take the cup. They cross the line, the crowd erupts once again and it is announced that Almandin (no. 17) has won the Melbourne Cup for 2016, narrowly taking the victory from Heartbreak City (no. 13) followed by Hartnell (no.6) who took out third place.

After all the excitement of the big race, the rain began to kick in again and onlookers slowly began to disperse from the lawn, some to collect their winnings and others to morn their losses. However, with a few more races left in the day still to be run, most settled back and continued to enjoy the rest of their day out at Flemington.

Congratulations to Almandin, jockey Kerrin McEvoy, trainer Robert Hickmott and owner Lloyd Williams for winning the 2016 Melbourne Cup.

After a good day out in the field, let’s saddle up to do it again next year.