Otago Racing Club sales and marketing co-ordinator Samantha Wells said they had been busy making sure the day would be fabulous, and she was very happy with the numbers expected to attend.
"We’re going to have 250 in our Winning Place Lounge, 50 upstairs in the sponsors’ casino, we have a hospitality marquee out on the lawn with about 160 in it, then private marquees with about 140 — and, of course, we have the general admission area here."
Ms Wells said the numbers were groups, not individuals.
She said it was so exciting to have the cup day back again for another year.
"When the day's finally come and we just see all of the bits that each of us individually do all sort of come together ... it's always very exciting."
Her favourite part was hearing the roar of the crowd, and the horses thundering past.
She said gates opened at 11am, the first race was at 11.30am and the last at 4.30pm.
The Melbourne Cup would be livestreamed on the big screen at 5pm, followed by an after party.
"Each hospitality area, including general admission, would have a band or a DJ playing until 7pm and then we've got free buses back to town, and to Mosgiel, as well."
Fashions on the Field was also returning and would be "bigger than ever".
