Despite a chilly day of hail and rain in Melbourne, thousands of racegoers poured into the Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday for the biggest day on Australia's racing calendar.
The day started with reports of vandalism at Flemington.
Police said the course was broken into about 6am and that vandals had poured an "unknown substance" onto the track.
Vision on social media showed a hose pumping a black sludge over the course.
A Racing Club Victoria spokesperson said only "minor damage" was caused after fluid was poured onto the track near the 1,500-metre area.
The track was immediately cleaned before stewards judged it safe for racing to occur without any impact, the spokesperson said.
Crowds soon began to pour into Flemington racecourse, celebrating the first time capacity crowds had been allowed at the Melbourne Cup in three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At around midday, rain and wind forecasted by the Bureau of Meteorology began, leading to the track's rating being downgraded.
With temperatures reaching a top of just 13.3°C during the day, it marked the coldest cup day since 1913.
But despite the low temperatures, spirits remained high.
Attendee Leanne Clinch said rain would not put a dampener on the day.
"I'm looking forward to the fashions and seeing everyone out and having a good time," she said.
"I don't think [the rain] will matter, because we'll be inside, sipping champagne."
Sharon Polson agreed the weather wouldn't stop the pair from having a good time.
"For years I've been coming — since the 70s," she said.
"I never let the weather deter me."
The weather also did not deter intrepid ABC reporter Stephanie Ferrier, who delivered a commanding live cross to News Channel despite the torrid conditions.
Racegoer Todd Anthony brought an umbrella which he said "sparkles like my shoes".
"I'm over the moon because the sun is shining and I got to wear glitter today," he said.
"I love the horses, but when I come here I generally don't see them because I'm hanging out in the Myer Fashions on the Field section which is my favourite place."
Joel Parkinson dressed the part.
"I decided to go very camp and chic and a little bit over the top, because why not?
"It's Melbourne Cup day — it's about bright, bold colours — you've gotta commit to the brief."
Melina Bagnato was enjoying the opportunity to dress up after years of sporadic lockdowns.
"It's a great excuse to go above and beyond," she said.
"I don't have a brolly because I'm manifesting no rain."
It was the first Melbourne Cup for Cara and Scott Connor, who drove for more than five hours from Griffith in New South Wales to make it.
Ms Connor said she was taking the opportunity to show off the skills of a local hatmaker in Griffith.
"We're really enjoying our day today," Ms Connor said.
As 3pm arrived, the weather eased and eyes turned from the heavens towards the track for the running of the cup.
Trainers Maher and Eustace achieved their first Melbourne Cup victory with Zahra riding Gold Trip home at Flemington.
Second was the Geelong Cup winner, Emissary, followed by Bendigo Cup winner, High Emocean.
Meanwhile, Irish stallion Interpretation failed to finish the race, but was later described as "OK", having avoided significant injury.
