PUNTERS flocked to Bendigo pubs and clubs on Tuesday to watch the race that stops the nation.
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The One Tree Hill Hotel was a popular spot for race watchers with hundreds of people of all ages trying their luck on Australia’s biggest race day.
As the clock counted down to 3pm, punters quickly put their final tips in before the main race.
John Truscott said it was tradition to go to the One Tree Hill Hotel on Cup day.
“I like Gai Waterhouse, her horse is okay too,” he laughed.
As the race began all eyes were on the television screen as 24 horses galloped around Flemington’s famous track.
In the end trainer Gai Waterhouse’s Fiorente broke through to win her first Melbourne Cup after a string of seconds in previous year.
The race has eluded Waterhouse throughout her career however she managed to be the last women standing on racing’s biggest stage.
Horses Red Cadeaux and Mount Athos took out second and third place respectively.
Punter David Chalmers managed to take out the trifecta.
Mr Chalmers said he backed all three placegetters.
He said he wasn’t a betting man and only picked, Fiorente, Red Cadeaux and Mount Athos, because they sounded good.
“I didn’t put much on but I won some money,” Mr Chalmers said.
“It is all a bit of fun.
“It is an Australian tradition to put a bet on, on Cup day.”
Toby Hastie on the other hand wasn’t so lucky.
“I just want to share in the elation of Cup day,” he said.
“I am just a humble punter who enjoys a bet each year.”
The beers and champagne flowed for much of the afternoon with One Tree Hill Hotel staff getting into the Spring Racing Carnival spirit, donning jockey clothes.
One Tree Hill Hotel manager Paul Stewart said the Melbourne Cup was one of the venues biggest events of the year.
“We have had 1200 bets on today ranging between a dollar to $1000,” he said.
“It has been a great day.”
Kristen.alebakis@fairfaxmedia.com.au