The 2026 Melbourne Cup drew tens of thousands of punters to Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday, with racegoers wowing onlookers in a dazzling display of colour and glamour. Nicknamed "the race that stops a nation," the event saw millions of Australians in Victoria enjoy a bank holiday to watch the action and soak up spring sunshine.
Beyond attracting the world's best jockeys and top music acts like Robbie Williams, the meet is synonymous with Australian fashion. This year's theme was bright, bold colours, and racegoers did not disappoint.
Vivid tones and statement hats
Organisers told fans to "think vivid tones, daring prints, and statement hats" by dressing to reflect yellow roses, the official flower. That was Kaylah Mannion's inspiration as she showed off a flowing baby blue ensemble.
"It's my first time. It's crazy, it's bigger than I imagined it to be," the 26-year-old from the Gold Coast in Queensland told The Star. "It's about the fashion, more than the horses for me. There's no judgement, you can go all out."
Kaylah was one of thousands of Australians who flew in from other states. Work pals Janelle Edwards, Vivian Romic, and Adisa McEvoy travelled from Perth, Western Australia — the same distance as London to Libya.
Fans travel from across Australia and beyond
Janelle, 47, explained why: "We work for the company that owns the horse, Zakouma, running in the cup. It's a big deal to have a horse in the cup. The Melbourne Cup is a tradition, it's the biggest race in the country, every year everyone stops. It literally stops the nation, everyone watches it at work."
International visitors also flocked in. Jin Horibata, a horse trainer from Japan, said he was "very excited" to be at the event. Equestrian Poline Cartraud, from Poitiers in France, said she "never gets to a race back home" and was excited to be at the racing festival.
Best mates Richard Shaw and Tim Amourous were among many taking a cruise down the east coast of Australia for a trip of a lifetime. The pair, from Walloon in Queensland, were there for Richard's birthday, which fell on race day. The duo, friends since school, said they were "very impressed." Richard added: "It's the Aussie experience. Everyone, from the rich to the punter off the street, comes together."
Birthday celebrations and first-time fans
Shane Dyde was on the same cruise, heading down from Sydney for a friend's birthday, sporting a 70s-inspired look with a suit from Dapper Row, an American outfitter. Grant Collins and his pals, also on the cruise, celebrated his 60th birthday with family and friends down from Brisbane in Queensland, wearing "bright and vivid" suits.
Pink was the choice for 23-year-old Alice Mason from Victoria, who said the meet is "really exciting," laughing she "likes the stomp of the horses." Another new racing fan was Lacey Pedlow, celebrating her 18th birthday with mum Natasha from the Gold Coast, who said the day was "something to look forward to" all year.
Mates Alison and Renae, wearing Acler, came down from Wollongong in New South Wales and said Flemington Racecourse was "beautiful" and it was "so far so good" with having a flutter. Friends Jessica Millard and Sally Dixon, both 30, made the relatively short hop from Canberra, returning to Flemington for the second year in a row. Asked what sparked their fascination, nurse Jessica said: "They are regal creatures. It's the atmosphere - you mingle with the rich and not so, but you never know who!"
