Tens of thousands of racing crowds flock to Flemington Racecourse as Melbourne Cup day gets underway under warm, sunny skies.

While luck can never be guaranteed in the betting circle, the weather is definitely on the punters’ side for the 164th Melbourne Cup. The gates have opened at Flemington, with fans racing to stake their claim on a prime position on the rails and other vantage points around the racecourse.

Racegoers arrive at Flemington Racecourse for Melbourne Cup Day. Ken MacKenzie, Chairperson of BHP with wife of 36 years Dorothee Hansen. Former AFL star Nicky Winmar and Nine’s Eddie McGuire share a laugh during Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse.

The race that stops the nation is back, with the country set to be glued to the action at Flemington Racecourse in the Melbourne Cup.The total prize money available has increased to $8.56 million, the race is living up to its billing as the most famous in Australia.

The Melbourne Cup sets off at 4am UK time on Tuesday morning as the biggest race in Australia attracts the very best with over £2.3m going to the winner. Irish trainer Willie Mullins is sending

Thousands of excited racegoers have packed Flemington to watch rank outsider Knight's Choice win the race that stops the nation.

The biggest day on the Australian racing calendar is finally here! Not sure who to back? Not to worry, as we take you through the best selections and some value runners in Tuesday's 10-race card at the glorious Flemington racecourse.

Just Fine crossed the post last in this year's edition of the Melbourne Cup. The seven-year-old gelding from the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable raced out to a commanding lead but faded in the run home after leading for the majority of the race.