Couture the allure for many at Melbourne Cup Day

Crowds of people turned up for Melbourne Cup Day at Wingatui, many dressed to the nines, but for some it was not about the racing.

As the sun beat down on attendees at the Otago Racing Club’s annual Cup day and alcohol flowed, people were getting more and more rambunctious as the hours ticked by.

Photobomber Mark Rawson said he was having "just such a great day with fun times all about".

"I’ve got money on No 3 because three is my lucky number — that’s it.

"I don’t know anything about betting really."

Minutes before, Mr Rawson was hoisted up on his friend’s shoulders to crash a photo being taken of the competitors in the Fashions On The Field competition.

Judge Michelle Johnson, of Mosgiel clothing store Dakota Boutique, said it was all about spring fashion, and not the latest fashion.

"We were looking for somebody who was confident and somebody who put their outfit together really well."

The winner was Jo Lewis — who was dressed head to foot in designer pieces from her own wardrobe, which included a baby-blue maxi shirt, high-low baby pink button-up top, complete with a blossom-inspired fascinator — said she did her husband’s family proud.

"I’m feeling great.

"It’s great to do this in memory of Doug O’Neill, who was based here in Wingatui for many, many years and was a very well known New Zealand horse galloper trainer."

Ms Lewis won an entry ticket to the Prix de Fashion on Derby Day at Ellerslie.

University of Otago student Emma Sutherland had numerous reasons to celebrate yesterday, having finished the last exam of her degree the week before and it was also her 21st birthday.

"I’ve been having a lovely morning hanging with my flatmates, had a few pre drinks, vibes were on, now we’re here enjoying the sun in Wingatui."