Bundaberg Melbourne Cup Race Day | GALLERY

The excitement grew through the afternoon leading up to the race that stops the nation, as punters put their most glamorous foot forward at the Bundaberg Race Club. See our gallery of photos:

The excitement grew through the afternoon leading up to the race that stops the nation, as racegoers put their most glamorous foot forward at the Bundaberg Race Club.

A colourful and exuberant crowd filled the Bundaberg Race Club for the 2023 Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday.

60+ PHOTOS: Bundaberg Melbourne Cup Race Day | GALLERY

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While the day was overcast, no rain fell to dampen the spirits of more than 900 people who enjoyed the trackside terraces or the beautifully corporate marquee.

The marquee tables were packed with racegoers.

The day’s proceedings began with the Melbourne Hotel Fashions on the Field event featuring a tasteful and colourful range of spring racewear from the best dressed and best suited entrants.

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Judges named Molly Smith the best dressed winner, wearing a beautiful lace dress and floral fascinator, while a very dapper Gordon Low was named best suited.

Molly Smith (centre) was awarded Best Dressed, with Rebecca Jane (right) 1st runner-up and Amber Basanovic (left) 2nd runner-up.

Gordon Low (right) was awarded Best Suited, with Armand Smit (left) 1st runner-up and Will Mizzi (centre) 2nd runner-up.

The anticipation built throughout the afternoon as the crowd viewed the day’s races from Flemington on the screens in the clubhouse and marquee, leading up to the Lexus Melbourne Cup race at 2pm.

Screams and hoots of encouragement were heard as the field leapt from the starting gate in the big event, while others kept their eyes glued to the screens with tense excitement.

Greg Hewson and Saby Cordie backed a winner on 2023 Melbourne Cup Day.

The winners and losers were plain to see as those who backed Without a Fight, Soulcombe or Sheraz thrust their fists into the air or jumped for joy, while the others crumpled their tickets with rueful smiles.

As a few punters headed for the exits, it looked to be a long afternoon for many who stayed to enjoy the local race card and the Race Club hospitality.

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See all the fashions and fun in the 2023 Melbourne Cup Day gallery.

Originally published as Bundaberg Melbourne Cup Race Day | GALLERY