As usual, the crowd was a mix of the fashion conscious, the serious bettors and those out for a day of socialising.
For those in the first group, Fashion in the Field was the main event of the day.
There was pink hair, parasols and puffy pants, and about 100 men and women strutted their stuff for an appreciative and vocal crowd in the hope of winning the top prize worth $6000.
Dunedin woman Michelle Facer took top honours with a home-made garment featuring beading and daisies.
Judge Mary Lambie described her as "the full package" in stylish black and white.
Although surprised by her win, Ms Facer already knew what the $4000 worth of travel would be spent on - a honeymoon.
After meeting her fiance at the races last year, she entered the competition in the hope of another fate-filled win.
Lady luck also shone on Anne Hore, of Lumsden, who won $500 to bet on the Melbourne Cup as part of an Otago Daily Times promotion.
She followed a form favourite, but had no luck.
Most of her money went on Viewed as he was "the best-looking colt in the field" who "didn't quite make the grade".
However, winning the voucher was a "real thrill" and she enjoyed seeing a decent crowd at the races.
Meanwhile, the TAB was rolling in it with New Zealanders betting $7.9 million on the Melbourne Cup, up 4.7% on last year.
Gallop South chief executive Andre Klein said about 9000 people attended at Wingatui, which was more than last year, and the day had gone well.
Police were pleased with the crowd's behaviour, Senior Sergeant Darryl Lennane, of Mosgiel, said.
"Generally, everyone was well behaved. There were varying levels of intoxication.
"Overall, we were pretty happy with how it went," she said.
