Crowds descend on Flemington Racecourse for 2022 Melbourne Cup despite rainy weather

Full crowds are expected back at Flemington racecourse for the Melbourne Cup today, despite rain and wind interrupting the festivities.

Crowds were banned from the 2020 edition of the race, while the 2021 Melbourne Cup had a capped capacity of 10,000 people.

Earlier this morning, Leanne Clinch said predictions of rain would not put a dampener on the day.

"I'm looking forward to the fashions and seeing everyone out and having a good time," she said.

"I don't think [the rain] will matter, because we'll be inside, sipping champagne."

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Sharon Polson agreed the weather wouldn't stop the pair from having a good time.

"I never let the weather deter me."

The last time Flemington was open to all crowds on Cup Day was in 2019, when 81,458 people came to the track.

More than 71,000 people attended Victoria Derby Day on Saturday, and a crowd of 80,000 is expected today.

The celebrations come as Victoria Police confirmed they were investigating after vandals broke into the racecourse about 6am and poured an "unknown substance" onto the track.

Vision on social media showed a hose pumping a black sludge over the course.

Police said investigations were ongoing.

A Racing Club Victoria spokesperson said only "minor damage" was caused after fluid was poured onto the track near the 1,500-metre area.

The track was immediately cleaned before stewards judged it safe for racing to occur without any impact, the spokesperson said.

At around midday, rain and wind forecasted by the Bureau of Meteorology began, leading to the track's rating being downgraded.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Chris Godfred said there was a strong chance it would be raining by the time the race was run at 3pm.

"Melbourne is expecting a top of only 14 [degrees Celsius] for Cup day, so very chilly, and on top of that there will also be quite frequent showers," Mr Godfred said.

"We are — with the cold front — looking at the risk of some thunder and some local small hail, especially during the afternoon."

This morning, Todd Anthony said he brought an umbrella which "sparkles like my shoes".

"I'm over the moon because the sun is shining and I got to wear glitter today.

"I love the horses, but when I come here I generally don't see them because I'm hanging out in the Myer Fashions on the Field section which is my favourite place."

Joel Parkinson had dressed the part.

"It's Melbourne Cup day — it's about bright, bold colours — you've gotta commit to the brief."

Melina Bagnato was enjoying the opportunity to dress up after years of sporadic lockdowns.

"It's a great excuse to go above and beyond," she said this morning.

It was the first Melbourne Cup for Cara and Scott Connor, who drove for more than five hours from Griffith in New South Wales to make it.

Ms Connor said she was taking the opportunity to show off the skills of a local hatmaker in Griffith.

"We're really enjoying our day today," Ms Connor said.

The favourite of the 23-horse field was English thoroughbred Deauville Legend, to be ridden by three-time Melbourne Cup winner Kerrin McEvoy.

Irish-bred Without A Fight, owned by United Arab Emirates prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was also a strong contender.

The field received a shake-up after Racing Victoria announced outsider Point Nepean had returned elevated blood results and been withdrawn from the race.

Lunar Fare was scratched from the race this morning, after being found unfit to compete due to lameness. 

While vets found Interpretation to be lame on Monday, the horse was declared fit to race after a reassessment this morning.

The prize pool for the Melbourne Cup is $8.075 million. This includes $7.75 million in cash and a number of trophies worth a total of $325,000.

Three per cent of all prize money is deducted and directed to equine and jockey welfare.