More than 750 people were fixated on the big screen at the Dubbo Turf Club on Tuesday as Vow And Declare became the first Australian-bred winner of the Melbourne Cup since Shocking in 2009.
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Dubbo Turf Club general manager Vincent Gordon said he was pleased with punter numbers at the club for the day.
"It was great to see all the people here having a good time, today was certainly a success," he said. "Days like today where people are not under the pump and can relax a little are always good."
Daily Liberal subscriber Lorraine Ashton, who won one of 15 free double passes to attend the day from the Daily Liberal, said she enjoyed being among so many people having a great time.
"It's such a fun day out, and I've been enjoying myself," Ms Ashton said.
"I love watching everyone enjoying themselves; they're all just having a good time. I love seeing the fashion, and I also enjoy a very small punt and watching the horses."
Joel Rapley, also a Daily Liberal subscriber, said going to the races was a good opportunity for him to relax.
It's such a fun day out and I've been enjoying myself. I love watching everyone enjoying themselves, they're all just having a really good time.
- Lorraine Ashton
"We haven't been to the races in a while, so it's good to socialise and have a few beers and a punt," Mr Rapley said. "It's a good chance to relax and enjoy ourselves, Melbourne Cup day is a good event to keep people's spirits up."
Fellow subscribers Debbie and Malcolm Woodham said they wouldn't usually attend the races, but because they won the Daily Liberal tickets, they decided to attend.
"Days like today are good for community spirit," Mrs Woodham said.
Fashions on the Field was hotly contested this year with the prize for the best-dressed man going to Dubbo's Lachlan Cusack. The best-dressed lady was awarded to Michelle Meyers.
Judges declared the second best-dressed man at the track was Doug Hodges, Desiree Rivera took out second place for the ladies.
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