The iconic moments that shaped the Melbourne Cup

FOR more than 50 years, the Melbourne Cup has been a staple in fashion and racing calendars across the nation. We look back at the most iconic moments.

FOR more than 50 years, the Melbourne Cup has been a staple in both fashion and racing calendars across the nation.

We take a look back at some of the most iconic moments in the Cup's celebrated history.

FIERCE COMPETITION IN FASHIONS ON THE FIELD (1962)

Women were given a whole new reason to attend the races when Fashions on the Field was introduced in 1962.

Female racegoers were admired for their trackside elegance and sophistication in the classy yet competitive field of fashion.

Fashions of the Field started in 1962.

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JEAN SHRIMPTON SHOCKS IN A VERY SHORT FROCK (1965)

In 1965 Jean Shrimpton, the world's highest-paid model, left Melbourne's elite gasping in disbelief after witnessing her daring white dress cut 10cm above the knee to Derby Day.

Leaving her thighs in clear view of the conservative crowds, Shrimpton later said when attending the Melbourne Cup dressed more conservatively: "I feel Melbourne isn't ready for me yet."

As women worldwide tossed their gloves and stockings aside.

Jean Shrimpton in her 'mini' dress at Flemington racecourse on Derby Day in 1965. Picture: Ray Cranbourne

BART CUMMINGS TASTES HIS FIRST MELBOURNE CUP VICTORY (1965)

In 1965 trainer Bart Cummings delivered the first of a future 12 Melbourne Cup wins with Light Fingers.

Cummings stamped his authority on the race in the following years when Galilee took out the race in 1966 and Red Handed in 1967, giving him three consecutive Cup wins.

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Trainer Bart Cummings has won the Melbourne Cup twelve times.

FRANK REYS BECOMES FIRST INDIGENOUS JOCKEY TO TAKE THE CUP (1973)

After suffering almost career-ending injuries, jockey Frank Reys fought back to mount Gala Supreme in 1973 and became the first and only indigenous jockey to win the Melbourne Cup.

Reys chose to identify himself as Filipino, his mother’s heritage, because he wanted to avoid potential racial slurs if he was exposed as an Aboriginal.

Trainer Ray Hutchins and Jockey Frank Reys.

GG JOHN KERR PRESENTS CUMMINGS WITH FOURTH CUP WIN WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE (1977)

Potentially inadvertently setting the tone for Cup Days to come, Governor-General John Kerr made headlines with his drunken speech while presenting Bart Cummings with his fourth Melbourne Cup.

Jockey John Duggan rode Gold and Black to victory.

Sir John Kerr makes a point during his controversial presentation speech at the Melbourne Cup.

MYER OFFERS UP $30,000 PRIZE FOR FASHIONS ON THE FIELD (1986)

It didn't take long for the Melbourne Cup to become a day for the who's who of Melbourne to mingle.

The Cup's growing status as a world-class event meant Myer quickly snapped up the Fashions on the Field, offering a whopping $30,000 prize for the best-dressed fashionista.

Myer's generous sponsorship generated fierce competition, both on and off the track.

Myer offers up $30,000 for the winner of Fashions on the Field.

FIRST INTERNATIONAL HORSE WINS THE MELBOURNE CUP (1993)

In 1993, Irish stayer Vintage Crop became the first internationally trained horse to successfully raid the Melbourne Cup.

And the international floodgates opened.

Melbourne Cup 1993 winners: Vintage Crop with Michael Kinane, Dermot Weld and Tony Smurfit.

MEN'S FASHIONS ON THE FIELD GOES TRACKSIDE (2001)

Not to be outdone by the women, the rise of the metrosexual man saw the introduction of the Men's Fashions on the Field in 2001.

Men's Fashions on the Field was introduced at the Melbourne Cup in 2001.

DAMIEN OLIVER STEALS THE CUP WIN ON IRISH UNDERDOG MEDIA PUZZLE (2002)

Having won with Vintage Crop previously, Irishman Dermot Weld returned to Australia for the 2002 Melbourne Cup with an even better credentialed horse - hot favourite Vinnie Roe.

But it was Vinnie Roe's travelling companion and ultimate underdog, Media Puzzle, who stole the show.

Overrun by emotions following the death of his brother Jason, Damien Oliver produced the ride of dreams on Media Puzzle, saluting to the skies as he passed the finishing post.

Jockey Damien Oliver raises his arm in the air as he wins the Melbourne Cup on Irish horse Media Puzzle.

MAKYBE DIVA BECOMES FIRST HORSE TO TAKE OUT THREE MELBOURNE CUP RACES IN A ROW (2003- 2005)

There is no doubt the 2000s belonged to the Diva.

Makybe Diva became the first horse to win three Melbourne Cup's with wins in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Following her third win, Makybe Diva trainer Lee Freedman famously declared: "Go and find the smallest child on the course, because they will be the only person here who might see something like this again."

Jockey Glen Boss celebrates at the finish of the 2005 Melbourne Cup won by Makybe Diva.