Despite a morning downpour, thousands of racegoers flocked to Flemington Racecourse for the 165th Melbourne Cup, showcasing their finest fashion. The rain, which drenched the city earlier, eased as attendees arrived at the gates, ready for a day of racing and style.
The Victoria Racing Club enforces strict dress codes for the members enclosure, prohibiting items such as gumboots, parkas, and denim jackets, regardless of weather. Racegoers embraced the challenge, with some outfits defying gravity and others featuring coordinated palettes or floral themes.
Notable attendees included former MP Julie Bishop, tennis star Thanasi Kokkinakis, and former Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne. Couples Amanda and Alex matched in pink and teal, with Amanda highlighting her millinery piece by Rebecca Share. Emeldah Herron Mwaba, Marlene Robertson, and Foster Mwaba brought floral flair, with Foster becoming a finalist in the best dressed competition.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecast up to 10 millimetres of rain on Cup day, following 20 to 30mm on Monday. Meteorologist Stephanie Miles noted hit-and-miss showers, with heavier falls expected in eastern suburbs. Temperatures were predicted to reach 16 degrees Celsius, with winds up to 40 kilometres per hour.
Despite the weather, racegoers remained undeterred. Young Will arrived early, tipping Half Yours to win, while Tony wore a poncho over his suit. Marie, attending her 12th Cup, hoped for a female jockey victory. The 2022 Cup was the coldest in over a century, but this year's conditions proved more manageable for the crowd.
