A record number of New Zealanders struck the trifecta payout of $224 in yesterday's Melbourne Cup, the TAB says.
More than 20,000 people won the trifecta, compared to just under 800 in last year's race.
"It's quite astounding really - not only was there a record turnout on the day, record numbers of punters actually came away with the trifecta," TAB spokesman Michael Dore said.
The French-trained Americain won the race from Maluckyday and warm favourite So You Think.
"A large part to do with that is that you had three of the most favoured horses come in and people simply found So You Think irresistible in anchoring their trifecta bets," Dore said.
About 1000 punters landed the trifecta through the Big Race Pack, in which they select their favourite horse for a win, place and a trifecta bet, with the remaining horses selected by computer.
