Fancy dresses, high heels and fake tans were popular with the women, while suits ranged from smart to extravagant for the men.

For Canadian exchange student Kenzi Bender the races were about spending a day out with host sister Caitlin Krelle.

She said it was the first race day she had experienced since arriving in Australia in July.

She said she enjoyed cup day at the Horsham races.

"There are a lot of people here I have never met before," she said. "So it's interesting. It's a lot of fun, but it's cold."

Others found more excitement in the Melbourne Cup, which played live on a large screen at the racetrack.

Horsham's Kylie Pickering was thrilled to become a Melbourne Cup winner, cleaning up with her bet on winner Shocking.

"I've never won the Melbourne Cup before," she said.

"I wasn't expecting it. I just listened to the tips and chose who they said.

"I'm very excited. I've won."

For those who didn't win it was still a fun day out with friends.

Horsham's Maddy Schilling found it a `freezing' day but said it was worth it.

"I'm loving it," she said.

"I didn't win, but it's a good day."

Lisa Sordello said she enjoyed spending the day dressed up and being social.

"It's a great day out," she said.

"It's a bit windy but that's fine. It's good as, it's been very fun."

FOR more pictures, see today's Mail-Times.