Annette Webber said it was "pretty awesome" to celebrate her birthday on Melbourne Cup Day. The mother of eight and grandmother of 15 was enjoying her time with family and friends at the Dubbo RSL Memorial Club for the Melbourne Cup Lunch.

"When I was born my mum wanted to call me Antoinette because she won the race but she didn't," she said.

Ms Webber insisted the celebration was "a ladies only event" and promised her sons and the rest of her family and friends would be invited to a big party on Saturday.

She wished to remain fit and healthy to make it to her 60th.

"My dad passed away five months ago and my only true wish would be having him around. He would have made this day so special for me," she said.

"I really miss him heaps."

Ms Webber thanked her close knit group of friends and family for making her 50th birthday a memorable day.

Photos:?BELINDA SOOLE