Hundreds gathered around office TV sets, pubs and clubs in Whanganui yesterday afternoon to see if their annual flutter or office sweepstake paid off.
Rekindling edged out Johannes Vermeer to take out the 157th Melbourne Cup in the race that is said to stop two nations.
On the edge of her seat at the Wanganui East Club was Mary Austin who, although didn't pick a winner in any of her bets, had Rekindling in the club sweepstake which made for a tense finish.
She said it had been great to come out and watch racing for the afternoon.
"I usually watch it on TV but it's good being in a crowd."
Wanganui East Club manager Allan Wakeling said it had been a bit quieter than past cups.
"But it's been a really good atmosphere. It's been a big day," he said.
"We have big events from time to time but this day is up there."
Mr Wakeling said the Melbourne Cup was special because it was the one event people got excited about whether they were into racing or not.
"People just want to be part of the action and it's one opportunity for people to get out and do that or just to have a good day out."
Also at the club NZME Wanganui hosted clients involved in centre spread fields promotion in Tuesday's Wanganui Chronicle