Local celebrations for Flemington's big race were in full swing at Ellerslie Race Course yesterday.
Punters sporting bold outfits and neatly tailored suits made the most of the cold drinks and delicious snacks as they placed their bets.
At 3.30pm, the main event at Ellerslie, the Sofitel Luxury Hotel stakes, was called.
Chatting crowds made their way trackside and those in corporate boxes paused to watch as Wellfield Lodge horse Zennista galloped to a win.
People who made the right picks celebrated their good fortune, but a shot at a bigger victory in the Melbourne Cup was still up for grabs.