Melbourne Cup LIVE: Punter wages a massive $200,000 bet as thousands of racegoers arrive at a VERY wet Flemington
Punters are so desperate to keep the rain off their outfits they will pay outrageous sums for even a basic umbrella.
Craig Butt, a reporter at The Age, said he was offered $55 for his tiny black umbrella by a man at the train station.
'I've left so many of these behind on trains before, you could do a roaring trade on used umbrellas today,' he said.
The break in the rain didn't last long as a massive downpour sent racegoers running for cover just as they felt safe wandering around unprotected.
The track has been downgraded from 'good' to a 'soft 5' and could get softer as the day goes on.
Kate Waterhouse, the daughter of legendary horse trainer Gai Waterhouse, flaunted her fresh and glowy look with peach blush cheeks, nude pink lips and lashings of mascara.
Model Nikki Phillips, who recently announced she was expecting her second child with husband Dane Rumble, was up and early to get ready for race day.
The 35-year-old sat patiently in the chair as her makeup artist Michael Brown made the finishing touches to her flawless complexion with light contouring on her cheeks.
Seven horse racing presenter Francesca Cumani took to her Instagram Story to share a candid photo of herself getting ready.
Kate Waterhouse, the daughter of legendary horse trainer Gai Waterhouse, flaunted her fresh and glowy look with peach blush cheeks, nude pink lips and lashings of mascara.
Elsewhere, model and The Block 2017 winner Elyse Knowles, 26, showed off her bronze smokey eye look with bold lashings of mascara, nude lips and feathered out brows
Model Nikki Phillips, who recently announced she was expecting her second child with husband Dane Rumble, was up and early to get ready for race day
For her outfit, the blonde beauty showed off her baby bump in a figure hugging fuschia dress with floral applique on the bodice, and accessorised with a wide brimmed hat
Seven horse racing presenter Francesca Cumani took to her Instagram Story to share a candid photo of herself getting ready
Model Olivia Molly Rogers dressed to kill in a floral dress, flawless makeup, and a tiara of golden leaves and red roses paired with gold earrings
These are the finalists for the Fashion on the Field contest, providing a splash of colour to the dreary racecourse.
The competition was first staged in 1962 in a bid to attract more women to the then-male dominated racecourse. These days the women probably outnumber the men.
State finalists in the Fashion on the Field contest Carle Rutledge from Queensland, Immi Varcoe from South Australia, Kate Reynolds from Western Australia, Cynthia Hawkins from Tasmania and Elis Crewes from NSW
The competition was first staged in 1962 in a bid to attract more women to the male dominated racecourse
A punter has put down $200,000 on race favourite Yucatan, double the previous biggest bet so far this morning.
The four-year-old bay stallion is paying $6 to win and $2.25 to place, with the next best odds owned by Magic Circle at $8/$2.80 and the rest at more than $12.
MasterChef host Matt Preston checks the sky for rain as he wanders around Flemington, rugged up in a brown suit and vest with a striking pink tie and an umbrella in his hand.
MasterChef host Matt Preston checks the sky for rain as he wanders around Flemington, rugged up in a brown suit and vest with a striking pink tie and an umbrella in his hand
The rain appears to have eased off a bit as punters are finally smiling and strolling around the racecourse instead of dashing for cover. It's not likely to last long.
A pair of racegoers leisurely walk around Flemington during a gap in the rain
This well-dressed trio were able to smile as the downpour halted enough for them to wander around
The racecourse is still soaked, the sky dreary, and more rain could hammer down at any moment, but may as well enjoy the day out
Lindy Klim, former wife of Australian swimming champion Michael Kilm, is among the first celebs to hit the red carpet.
She donned a fuchsia pink long sleeved dress coupled with silver open-toed shoes and opted for a very thin headband instead of a hat or facinator.
Lindy Klim, former wife of Australian swimming champion Michael Kilm, is among the first celebs to hit the red carpet
She donned a fuchsia pink long sleeved dress coupled with silver open-toed shoes and opted for a very thin headband instead of a hat or facinator
Yucatan is the hot favourite to win the Melbourne Cup and has already drawn a huge bet early in the day.
$100,000 each-way @ $6/$2.25 on Yucatan
$14,250 @ $7 on Notation (Race 6)
$5,000 @ $6 on Yucatan
$2,000 @ $34 on Ventura Storm
$1,000 @ $81 on Vengeur Masque
Yucatan (pictured training last week) is the hot favourite to win the Melbourne Cup and has already drawn a huge bet early in the day
The first dozens of keen punters have arrived at Flemington to get their bets in early and start enjoying the atmosphere.
After packing out trains around Melbourne, they had to make a mad dash for cover in their glamourous outfits - an issue that will continue throughout the day.
Racegoers started running for cover the second they made it through the gates
This woman in a stylish pale blue pantsuit was sensibly wearing flats for her mad dash for cover, but others wear running in heels
Here's a racegoer who checked the weather forecast and realised bringing and umbrella was going to make her day much more enjoyable
The first wave of punters arrive after packing out trains heading in to Flemington
The rain is already coming down hard as punters arrive in their best racing outfits, which aren't going to fare well in the weather.
One burly man realised this and was seen helping out two women by drying down their soaked seats - with his own shirt.
The unlikely hero seemed rather pleased with himself at the completion of his selfless task and struck a triumphant pose in celebration.
One burly man realised this and was seen helping out two women by drying down their soaked seats - with his own shirt
His shirt will be soaked and probably dirty after his good dead, but at least he's earned their admiration
The unlikely hero seemed rather pleased with himself at the completion of his selfless task and struck a triumphant pose in celebration
There are only four Australian horses, plus one from New Zealand, in the cup this year out of a field of 24. The rest are from Europe or Japan and are relishing the wet track.
Melbourne Cup is usually relatively dry compared to those in the Northern Hemisphere - leading to Nick Williams, son of Lloyd, the record Cup winning owner, calling this weekend for the track to be watered.
He won't have to worry about that with 30mm in just two to three hours expected in the morning.
A punter runs for cover after arriving at a flooded Flemington. The rain is expected to help overseas horses
At least 30mm of rain is expected in just two to three hours in the morning
There's sure to be a host of celebrities turning up to the races, many packing out the VIP-only Birdcage.
Model Rachael Finch and Sunrise host Sam Armytage were among the first to share photos to social media of themselves in their racing outfits.
Armytage was wearing a fabulous floral fascinator while filming Sunrise at Flemington Racecourse.
The breakfast TV host let her headpiece do the talking, pairing the colourful piece with an equally chic Camilla and Marc black boat neck dress.
Finch donned a burnt orange dress by Elliatt, she had a bejewelled hair clip fixed in the side of her brunette locks, a popular trend this racing season.
Blooming beautiful! Samantha Armytage kicks off Melbourne Cup Day in style and wears a fabulous floral fascinator while filming Sunrise at Flemington racecourse
Rachael Finch was wearing a burnt orange dress by Elliatt, she had a bejwelled hair clip fixed in the side of her brunette locks, a popular trend this racing season
If you're headed to Flemington today, bring a raincoat or similar unless you've managed to get a spot undercover in the stands.
Torrential rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the morning and the rain will continue all day even after it gets a bit lighter after lunch, and will still be coming down when the race starts at 3pm.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for Melbourne, with flash flooding expected to develop over parts of the area.
Rainfall could even reach up to 30mm in just two to three hours due to the weather, leaving the track quite wet.
Weatherzone described the forecast as 'quite awful'. You can read our full weather report here.
Punters are being warned for wild weather ahead of the Melbourne Cup as forecasters warn the city will rain, heavy winds and thunderstorms (Pictured, punters at last year's wet Melbourne Cup)
Rainfall could even reach up to 30mm in just two to three hours due to the weather, leaving the track quite wet (Pictured, punters at last year's wet Melbourne Cup)
Welcome to Daily Mail Australia's live coverage of the 2018 Melbourne Cup. We'll bring you all the action from the track and and stands as it happens.
Start by reading our expert form guide to help you pick a winner.
Best Solution, ridden by Pat Cosgrave, hangs on for victory on the rails in the Caulfield Cup ahead of the fast-finishing Homesman. Best Solution will carry the top weight in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup
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