Melbourne Cup sets new record at TAB

Michelle Payne riding Prince Of Penzance smiles as she rounds the bend after winning the Melbourne Cup. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealanders placed more than a million bets in this year's Melbourne Cup - a new record for the TAB.

And it seems Kiwi connections with some of this year's major contenders helped to spark up the strong interest.

TAB figures shows punters had placed more than a million bets - a big jump from last year's 828,000 bets.

More than 1200 of those were on New Zealand-bred $101 outsider and eventual winner: Prince of Penzance.

TAB spokesman Glen Saville said there was also "overwhelming support'' for Kiwi contender Criterion, which finished third.

Mr Saville praised winning jockey Michelle Payne, who not only took out the race with style but who became the first woman to do so in the Cup's 155-year history.

"We are overjoyed for the New Zealand breeding industry and for Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup. Her win by a length is a massive achievement."

TAB MELBOURNE CUP FACTS

• Approximately a million bets placed on this year's Cup race, by Kiwis.
• TAB turnover for the 2015 Melbourne Cup: $10.3 million - on par with last year.