mmg.com.au

It was a day of fun, food and fashion as crowds turned out for Echuca’s Melbourne Cup day races yesterday.

The event saw thousands of locals and visitors alike at Echuca Racecourse for one of the biggest race days in the region.

Echuca Racing Club hosted its own races as part of the event, but all eyes were on the Melbourne Cup as it was broadcast across the venue.

Olivia Yeo, 6, who watched from beside the track, said she did not have any favourites for the winner.

‘‘I’ve been playing in the play park and I’ve been watching the race,’’ she said, adding she chose a white dress and pink bow for the big day.

Former Echuca resident Nikki El-Houssamy said she returned to the town each year for the event.

‘‘I love all the fashions,’’ the 23-year-old said.

‘‘I love spring racing just because it’s stuff you don’t get to wear every day, so it’s a good chance for everyone to get out and get dressed up.’’

While storm clouds gathered, the weather held out for the Cup, much to racegoers’ relief.

In the Diva marquee, Lyn Mitchell, who described herself as ‘‘a long time race-person’’, said the day had been ‘‘fantastic’’.

‘‘The food’s beautiful, the company’s great,’’ the Lockington resident said.

‘‘I’m a bit older than a diva though.’’

In the members’ bar, Echuca Racing Club committee member Darren Pollock said the event was a landmark one for the newly-formed Black Caviar club, which marked its second meeting yesterday.

Mr Pollock said the social club was a new initiative and took only 50 members.

‘‘It’s got a waiting list now,’’ he said.

Echuca Racing Club chief executive Garry Armstrong said about 6500 people attended yesterday’s event and crowds were well-behaved.