Melbourne Cup live updates: Knight’s Choice wins in a stunning photo finish from Warp Speed


Melbourne Cup live updates: Knight’s Choice wins in a stunning photo finish from Warp Speed
  • Horses in the Cup are due to jump at 3pm AEDT 

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Follow Daily Mail Australia’s live blog for all the latest fashion triumphs and fails, celebrity appearances and updates from the track as the race that stops a nation gets underway. 

And third place goes to…

Okita Soushi fills out the podium at the race that stops a nation.

Winning jockey Robbie Dolan can’t believe it

He’s telling Billy Slater that Knight’s Choice ‘proved everybody wrong’ today, then brands the Cup the ‘biggest race in the world’ before sending a message to his family back in Ireland.

Photo finish! Knight’s Choice is your winner!

Knight’s Choice takes it from Warp Speed! But only just!

The leaders so far

Just Fine, then Circle of Fire, Land Legend, Okita Soushi.

Just Fine goes out hard

Land Legend is up there too…

They’ve jumped!

The early leader is Just Fine…

The barriers are almost full…

The horses are milling around before entering the barriers

We’re getting to the sharp end of the countdown now…

Huge plunge on Onesmoothoperator

Onesmoothoperator is now equal $7 favourite with Buckaroo, according to the TAB, as former outright favourite Vauban drifts out to $8. Manzoice remains the backmarker in terms of odds, paying an astounding $101.

Just moments away now…

The mounting yard is where it’s at right now, with the crowd swamping the area as they try to pick up clues about how the horses are feeling heading into the biggest race of the year.

A few months back champion jockey Jamie Kah told Daily Mail Australia a good bet is to look for the nags that seem composed rather than skittish just before they head out onto the track. Hope that helps…

Sir Bob Geldof doesn’t like Mondays

…but the singer of Boomtown Rats and Feed the World fame does like the first Tuesday in November, if his smile outside the Crown marquee at Flemington today is anything to go by.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Bob Geldof poses for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)

Rozalia & Nick Russian, plus a footy legend turned politician

High-profile businessman Nick Russian and his model wife Rozalia were snapped at the Lexus marquee, while Carlton AFL great turned Melbourne mayoral candidate Anthony Koutoufides and wife Susie were all smiles as she added to the list of celebs in… (checks thesaurus) a ruby get-up.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Rozalia Russian and Nick Russian for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Susie Koutoufides and Anthony Koutoufides pose for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)

Australia’s hottest WAG steps out with her footy star boyfriend

Chelsea Becirevic and her man, Port Adelaide AFL ruckman Ivan Soldo, turned heads at Derby Day last weekend and they’re doing so again at the Flemington marquees…

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Ivan Soldo and Chelsea Becirevic pose for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)

Ronan Keating performs

He’s kicking off with his hit When You Say Nothing At All, which was his debut solo single. He’s joined by Aussie songstress Ricki-Lee Coulter.

And now the Welcome to Country

Uncle Colin Hunter Junior – who is a veteran of many high-profile Welcome ceremonies, especially in the AFL – is saying a few words to the crowd.

The action is heating up off the track

We’re less than an hour away from the main event and many of the 90,000-odd racegoers are getting right into the spirit of the occasion on a beautiful day in Melbourne.

DM Melbourne Cup Day 2024EXCLUSIVE5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM
DM Melbourne Cup Day 2024EXCLUSIVE5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM
DM Melbourne Cup Day 2024EXCLUSIVE5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM

Nicky Hilton and Rebecca Vallance

The American socialite is sporting an incredible necklace that looks like it’s worth more than Australia’s national debt as she soaks up race day with her Aussie fashion designer pal after the pair recently announced they’re launching a new collection together.

2024 MELBOURNE CUPCelebrities attend the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM
2024 MELBOURNE CUPCelebrities attend the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM

Nadia Bartel is trackside

There isn’t a trace of red on Nadia’s frock by designer Lillian Khallouf after she opted for a touch of black teamed with an elegant white dress with conservative sleeves and a tall collar when she stepped out at Derby Day last weekend.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Nadia Bartel poses for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)

Footy’s hottest couple step out

Collingwood star Josh Daicos popped the question to Annalise Dalins when they were on a luxurious holiday in Greece in September and their wedding is shaping as one of the highlights of the AFL social calendar.

She teamed a stunning yellow number with an Yves Saint Laurent bag at the Penfolds marquee at Flemington.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Josh Daicos and Annalise Dalins pose for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Annalise Dalins poses for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)

Melissa Leong misses the mark

The former MasterChef Australia star’s outfit for the Derby Day race was a fizzer and it looks like she’s continued in that vein with today’s effort…

2024 MELBOURNE CUPCelebrities attend the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM

Brahman Perera turns heads

The top interior designer – who recently helped Nadia Bartel achieve the look of her second Henne location in Sydney – went for a striking look coupled with a pair of boots that managed to look elegant and dangerous at the same time.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Brahman Perera poses for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images)

And the winner of race 5 is…

The 2800-metre Australian Heritage Cup has gone to Garachico – which was paying $61 – from jockey Jamie Kah’s Newfoundland in second and Whisky on the Hill in third.

Gridiron legend gets a taste of the Melbourne Cup – and he might be in for a shock

NFL great Marshawn Lynch is out and about at Flemington and it looks like he’s keen to have a flutter with one of the trackside bookies, judging by this pic below. Someone might want to tell him that the huge brick of greenbacks he’s carrying isn’t legal tender down under…

Lauren Phillips steps out in a daring rouge dress

Yep, we’re onto rouge after already using scarlet and crimson as we desperately search for more words to avoid repeating ‘red’ for the 36th time today. And we’re still two hours away from the race.

If we call another celeb’s dress ‘vermilion’ you’ll know for sure that we are running out of options.

2024 MELBOURNE CUPCelebrities attend the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM

Race 4 is run and done

The Schweppervescence Plate – the first race purely down the straight on today’s card – has been taken out by Manolo Bling, with Hedonist second and Overfull in third.

Ronan and Storm Keating pose with Cup legend

The famed Irish musician and wife Storm are moving down under in a few months and he’ll be performing at Flemington today.

A former part-owner of a few racehorses, Keating – pictured with Storm and Michelle Payne – is a big fan of Australia’s biggest race.

‘The sheer scale of the Melbourne Cup is something that’s hard to understand until you’ve experienced it. I’d heard them say it’s the race that stops a nation and it truly is,’ he said.

Michelle Payne (c) poses with Ronan and Storm Keating   at the 2024 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. (AAP Image/Con Chronis) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

More shots from the Cup’s red-letter day

Hannah Dal Sasso (top) and fashion designer Lana Wilkinson (bottom) obviously got the ‘wear red’ memo that seems to have been distributed to 70 per cent of the celebs attending the Cup today.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Hannah Del Sasso poses for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Lana Wilkinson poses for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)

Perry Lee and Brodie Ryan make their mark

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Perry Lee poses for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Brodie Ryan poses for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)

Sylvia Jeffreys bravely bucks the trend

The Channel Nine star – who is reporting from Flemington today – has rebelled against the red tsunami in a pink ensemble by Rebecca Vallance, with milliner Nerida Winter also chipping in.

2024 MELBOURNE CUPCelebrities attend the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM

AFL WAG Jessie Murphy is wearing… you guessed it…

This is the second year in a row Murphy has gone with a shade of scarlet after donning a futuristic red mini dress last November. She’s chosen a darker, more crimson outfit this time around.

2024 MELBOURNE CUPCelebrities attend the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM

We have another winner

Cloudland has taken out race 3 on today’s car, with Riot and Rose second, followed by Chattahoochee in the Mss Security Subzero Handicap over 1400 metres.

Which horse does A.I. think will get up today?

If you ever wondered how a Matrix-like machine intelligence would go picking a winner in a race that’s notoriously hard to predict, wonder no more – the answer is just a click away. A variation of ChatGPT picked last year’s victor, so there might just be something to this…

Liz Hurley and son Damian arrive

One of the biggest names at this year’s Cup, Hurley has bucked the red trend by opting for a bright yellow outfit that teams well with the yellow roses that have become a tradition at the race – as sported by Damian on the lapel of his suit.

2024 MELBOURNE CUPCelebrities attend the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM
epa11701688 Elizabeth Hurley (L) looks on to son Damian Hurley at the 2024 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia, 05 November 2024.  EPA/CON CHRONIS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

The Block stars pose up

Kristian, Mimi, Courtney and Grant from Nine’s home renovation reality show have stepped out at Flemington…

2024 MELBOURNE CUPCelebrities attend the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM
2024 MELBOURNE CUPCelebrities attend the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM

Samantha Armytage keeps the red theme going – as does Jess Fox

The former Channel Seven star (pictured, bottom) – who has now jumped ship to Channel Nine – added to the growing list of stars kitted out in rouge, as did Olympics gold medallist Fox, who is pictured below with groundbreaking former jockey Michelle Payne.

2024 MELBOURNE CUPCelebrities attend the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM
2024 MELBOURNE CUPCelebrities attend the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM

Our take on the early celeb arrivals

Olivia Molly Rogers, Kate Waterhouse and Abi Titmus have all opted for high-glamour red outfits today, and they’re not the only ones…

Big moves hit the Melbourne Cup betting market

Trainer James Cummings’ horse Zardozi (pictured below) has shot up the bookies’ leaderboard today, firming from $17 to just $12 (Ladbrokes) or $13 (TAB) after punters had a plunge on the horse.

On the other hand, Vauban has blown out to $7 – now equal favourite with Buckaroo.

Other horses that have firmed in the betting include Saint George, Sharp ‘N’ Smart and Mostly Cloudy.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 29: Camille Piantoni riding Zardozi during a trackwork session at Flemington Racecourse, on October 29, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)

DJ Fisher knows how to get to the Cup in fine style

The celebrity DJ is pictured flying to Flemington in a helicopter as he celebrates his birthday with his wife Chloe Fisher and some friends.

Richard Wilkins and Mia Hawkswell

The Channel Nine star, 70, and Mia, 47, have been an item since May. She’s the go-to makeup artist for the likes of Sonia Kruger – who introduced them – and Rachael Finch, Jessica Rowe and Kate Waterhouse.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Richard Wilkins and Mia Hawkswell pose for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, up in Sydney…

Actress and model Laura Dundovic (pictured) is among the crowd at Randwick for the Big Dance on Cup day, looking resplendent in a simple but stunning white ensemble.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Laura Dundovic poses during Sydney Racing at Royal Randwick Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

We have a second race winner

The TAB Trophy has been won by Opening Address, with Statuario second and Cecchetti third.

Olivia Molly Rogers joins the sea of red

Abi Titmus, Kate Waterhouse – and now the former Miss Universe Australia – have all arrived decked out in red in what looks like a developing theme for the fashion stakes today. Her hat is by Ezara/J

Olivia Molly Rogers poses for photographs at the 2024 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. (AAP Image/Con Chronis) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Olivia Molly Rogers poses for photographs at the 2024 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. (AAP Image/Con Chronis) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Gai Waterhouse goes all-out

The legendary horse trainer has just posted a video showing off her outfit, which may or may not have been inspired by the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz.

She told her followers that she’s wearing ‘comfort shoes for running up the straight’ – and she’ll be running up to the podium to get the trophy if her horse, Just Fine, salutes from barrier 13 today.

Crystal Kimber-Peters catches the eye

The aspiring fashion designer has gone for a very bold, metallic look coupled with a striking headpiece designed by milliner Rebecca Share.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Crystal Kimber poses for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images)

Now THAT is a fashion statement

Hats off to Deborah Quinn for shaking things up with an outfit you can guarantee nobody else at Flemington will come anywhere near replicating.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Debra J Quinn poses for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images)

Flemington is already chockers

Here’s the crowd during the running of race one just a few minutes ago, and the stands and trackside areas are already as full as Twiggy Forrest’s wallet.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Crowds watch race 1 Darley Maribyrnong Plate during Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The first race result of the day

The Darley Maribyrnong Plate has been run and done, and the first winner for the day is Tycoon Star – paying $18 – with Bacash second and Shining Smile rounding out the placings.

Kate Waterhouse arrives

The TV presenter and journalist, like Titmus, opted for an eye-catching shade of red. When she posted her outfit on Instagram she gave shout-outs to Versace, Bvlgari and Louboutin – meaning she’s wearing a who’s who of the cream of the fashion world.

2024 MELBOURNE CUPCelebrities attend the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM

Good morning, Ariarne Titmus

The Aussie pool queen has stunned by arriving clad in a vibrant red ensemble. She’ll be carrying the trophy into the mounting yard in a special ceremony not long before the race begins this afternoon.

2024 MELBOURNE CUPCelebrities attend the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Ariarne Titmus poses for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images)

Melbourne Cup great pinpoints the $101 horse that’s worth a punt

Chris Waller (pictured) is famed for training the all-conquering Winx and won the Cup with Verry Elleegant in 2021. He reckons Valiant King – which is paying a staggering $101 – is a chance at 3pm today.

‘Every year in the Cup there is always a horse with a big price that runs top three,’ he said.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 04: Trainer Chris Waller is seen during a Melbourne Cup Media Call in front of the finishing post at Flemington Racecourse on November 04, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)

Jockey arrives in fine style

Karis Teetan is on Mostly Cloudy today and he looked sharp as a pin when he arrived at Flemington just a few minutes ago with his wife, Xaviere Coutterau.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Karis Teetan and partner Xavier Cottereau arrive during Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)

Why footy legend Billy Slater is pinching himself as he gets a new gig with Channel Nine

The Melbourne Storm NRL icon – who was a trackwork jockey before making it in footy – is interviewing jockeys from the saddle at the finish of today’s races.

‘It’s really hard to believe that I’m here and I’m going to do that,’ he told Channel Nine this morning.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 02: Billy Slater on the pony for Channel 9's Melbourne Cup coverage poses with clerk of Course Shane Patterson during 2024 Penfolds Victoria Derby Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 02, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images) 14034571

Some footy star power

The first AFL big names through the gates today include St Kilda legend Nicky Winmar (pictured, top, with Bernie Reddington) and towering Collingwood ruckman Mason Cox (pictured, bottom). They’ll be joined by a host of big names from the world of Aussie Rules as the day wears on…

epa11701610 Former AFL player Nicky Winmar (L) and Bernie Reddington (R) attend the 2024 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia, 05 November 2024.  EPA/CON CHRONIS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT
AFL player Mason Cox attends the 2024 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. (AAP Image/Con Chronis) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Michelle Payne stuns with an eye-catching outfit

The first female jockey to take the biggest prize in Australian racing was sighted appearing on Nine’s Today show this morning, sporting a very vibrant outfit complete with an elaborate metallic headpiece. Her dress comes courtesy of designer Jason Grech, her milliner is Wendy Scully and the jewellery is the work of Adoria Jewels.

DM Melbourne Cup Day 2024FlemingtonToday Show's Sarah Abo and Alex Cullen filming at the trackEXCLUSIVE5 November 2024©MEDIA-MODE.COM

How punters at Flemington risk being caught out today

A huge trend that’s taking Australia by storm hasn’t made it past the turnstiles at Flemington, where racegoers who want to have a flutter with the bookies might find themselves very unprepared today…

A very early look at punters’ fashion choices

It’s a very, very small sample to draw any conclusions from, but if we had to pick out an early trend, it’d be very bright and bold colours, with women sporting a lot of eye-cartching pink outfits…

DM Melbourne Cup Day 2024FlemingtonEXCLUSIVE5 November 2024MediaMode/DailyMail Australia
DM Melbourne Cup Day 2024FlemingtonEXCLUSIVE5 November 2024MediaMode/DailyMail Australia
DM Melbourne Cup Day 2024FlemingtonEXCLUSIVE5 November 2024MediaMode/DailyMail Australia
DM Melbourne Cup Day 2024FlemingtonEXCLUSIVE5 November 2024MediaMode/DailyMail Australia

Footage from the first sprint of the day

Some good turns of speed were sighted when the gates were thrown open a few minutes ago…

Which celebs will be front and centre at Flemington?

In addition to regulars like Bec Judd and Nadia Bartel (pictured below), some of the big names in attendance today will include Liz Hurley and her son Damian, Sir Bob Geldof, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Sophie Ellis-Bextor – who’ll be performing with Ronan Keating – plus footy star Josh Daicos and his girlfriend Annalise Dalins.

Thankfully we won’t see many politicians hobnobbing this year because federal parliament is sitting today in a decision that left a few MPs less than impressed.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 02: Nadia Bartel poses for a photo during 2024 Derby Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 02, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images)

Inside some of the most luxurious marquees at the Cup

The best-connected racegoers are found in the high-end marquees at Flemington every year. Here’s a sneak peek at what awaits them when they rock up today… (pictured top to bottom: The Crown Marquee; the Lucky Birdcage Marquee; the Furphy Marquee; another angle of the Lucky facility;

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 31: The unveiling of theCrown Birdcage Marquee at the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Racecourse on October 31, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 31: The unveiling of the Lucky Birdcage Marquee  at the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival  at Flemington Racecourse on October 31, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 31: General view of the atmosphere during the unveiling of Furphy Birdcage Marquee  at the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival  at Flemington Racecourse on October 31, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 31: The unveiling of the Lucky Birdcage Marquee  at the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival  at Flemington Racecourse on October 31, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)

And they’re off!

The first race of the day just got underway as the turnstiles were activated at Flemington, sending punters rushing for the best positions at the track… or possibly the bathrooms, if they’ve been queueing up for hours, like some punters who were interviewed on TV earlier this morning.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Racing fans run as the gates open on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Racing fans run as the gates open on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Race goers arrive during Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Racegoers queue at the gates prior to the 2024 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. (AAP Image/James Ross) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

They’ve drawn barrier 1

These two gents are in pole position at Flemington this morning, just waiting for the nod so they can charge out and secure a prime spot for the biggest race of the year.

A crowd of more than 90,000 is expected today…

Racegoers queue to attend the 2024 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. (AAP Image/Con Chronis) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Fashions on the field have come a long way

‘Great styles for day or evening wear,’ says the announcer on this piece of ’80s nostalgia from the Echuca Bargain Centre, which appears to no longer be in business in a major blow to the wardrobe options for all the influencers who will be in attendance at Flemington today.

The very early view from Flemington

Racegoers are already queueing up at some entry points at the famous track – but the punter who made the below post enjoyed a rails run on their way in.

What’s the weather going to be like in Melbourne?

Good news: the Bureau of Meteorology’s forecast is predicting sunny skies with a top of 26, with the closest thing to rain being a chance of fog this morning. Although we are talking about Melbourne’s notoriously fickle weather, so this isn’t exactly what you’d call a sure thing.

ALTONA NORTH, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 04: Melbourne Cup favourite, Buckaroo ridden by Courtney Foale is seen during beach session at Altona Beach on November 04, 2024 in Altona North, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)

The king of the Cup tips this year’s winner

Lloyd Williams-owned horses have won the Cup seven times. He doesn’t have a runner in the field this year but he’s very confident about one of the favourites…

How this year’s Cup is setting a very welcome record

The 2024 Cup will feature a record four female jockeys: Jamie Kah (pictured below), Rachel King, Hollie Doyle and Winona Costin.

‘It’s a childhood dream come true,’ Costin said on Monday.

‘I was born around Melbourne Cup time and sometimes it [my birthday] fell on Cup day.

‘I’ve got a lot of family history in it as well … it’s just a very important day to me.’

The development comes after Michelle Payne became the first woman jockey to win the race back in 2015 on Prince of Penzance.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 02: Jamie Kah riding Another Wil after winning Race 4, the The Damien Oliver - Betting Odds during 2024 Penfolds Victoria Derby Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 02, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)

Cup hit by a late scratching that has left trainer baffled

If you were thinking of having a flutter on Athabascan, we’ve got some bad news for you…

Your Melbourne Cup form guide – from the expert who picked the last two winners

Daily Mail Australia’s resident racing guru Chris Lines was on the money when he picked the winner in 2022 and 2023. He’s gunning for a hat-trick this year – and here’s which horse he went with…

Hello and welcome!

Welcome to Daily Mail Australia’s live blog for the 2024 Melbourne Cup.

We’ll be here with you all day to keep you up to date with all the action both on and off the track as we build up to the running of the famous race at 3pm.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 02: Miniature Melbourne Cups are seen at the Melbourne Cup barrier draw during 2024 Penfolds Victoria Derby Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 02, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)
Racegoers enjoy Derby DayDAILYMAILEXCLUSIVE4 November 2023





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