Glitz and glamour mixed with intoxication and competition at Melbourne Cup Day at Wingatui yesterday.
About 3000 people, down on the 5000-strong crowd who attended last year and the record 10,000 people who attended in 2013, trotted along to the event.
Otago Racing chief executive Hannah Catchpole said she believed a rainy cold snap which sent the temperature tumbling to 11degC before the start of the first race might have deterred last-minute ticket-buyers.
''I am not at all disappointed because those who did come along had a fantastic time,'' she said.
Some racegoers travelled on one of three trains from Dunedin Railway Station to Wingatui, many in florals and tweeds, cementing cup day as the one date on Dunedin's calendar when thousands discard the usual uniform of black clothing.
As some racegoers neared the main entrance gate at Wingatui yesterday, race-day etiquette appeared to fade along with inhibitions.
Despite steady rain, the Fashions in the Field competition was a keenly contested event. About 40 women and 10 men entered.
Rolleston woman Helen Curtin won the competition wearing a hand-made black, white and red dress, paired with a red coat and red heels.
A milliner by trade, Ms Curtin said she entered her first race-day fashion event in Riverton in 1992.
She travelled to Wingatui specifically to enter the competition.
''Winning feels great because there was a variety of outfits and a good mix of ages,'' she said.
Taieri-Clutha area response manager Senior Sergeant Alastair Dickie said police were pleased with the behaviour of the crowd.
''It has been very good.
''There have been no real hassles and everyone has been in good humour.''
Sgt Dickie attributed the crowd's behaviour to a new student-only area about 200m away from the other marquees, and improved alcohol licensing.
Four men were arrested at the racecourse, he said.
''They are just young guys who can't handle their booze.''
The men were given pre-charge warnings, three for disorderly behaviour and one for trespassing.
''Apart from that, the crowd behaved pretty well.''
The number of arrests was about the same as past years but the revellers' intoxication levels were lower.
Southern district road policing manager Inspector Tania Baron said police set up two checkpoints outside the racecourse. About 750 drivers were tested.
Two men were taken to the booze bus. One man passed and the other failed breath-alcohol tests.
