It's more like Manchester than Melbourne
Nick Williams (left) and Hugh Morrison (right) will be pleased with the rain.Credit:AAP
Monsoonal Melbourne is currently more like Manchester in March than Victoria in spring, but several horse trainers aren't complaining.
Michael Lynch reports: Connections of numerous northern hemisphere runners are saying a prayer of relief at the wet track – a reprieve from Australia's normally hard conditions.
Sam Smith to perform
The Birdcage will be full of celebrities flaunting their fashions. Outside, pre-Cup entertainment will see Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Sam Smith perform two of his smash hits – including, perhaps, prior Grammy song of the year Stay With Me – before Sabrina Durante sings the national anthem.
The official word on the rain
Today's weather might seem overwhelming but it shouldn't be as cold as last year, which failed to break 16. And according to the bureau, it won't be the most rain ever. In 1942, almost 50mm was recorded.
Fashion breakfast at the Westin
Melissa Singer reports: Not all the action is at the track this morning. At The Westin, the action kicks off at 8.30am with an annual fashion breakfast.
Aaron Favaloro painting a beautiful mural in The Westin's lobby.
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Crowd grows at Southern Cross
Reporter Anthony Colangelo is at Southern Cross. He says there are probably about 50 to 60 people waiting to board the first train to Flemington, which left at 8.20am. Gates open at the track at 8.30am, so these people will be some of the first into the course.
"There's a lot of chat about the rain and if I recall from last year there were a few more people heading in at this time but not a whole lot more. First race isnt until 10.50am. Spots undercover will obviously be the best this year!"
The fashion lowdown
Our fashion editor Melissa Singer says it will be interesting to see who changes to weather-appropriate outfits and who says “what rain?”.
For the record, she's wearing sleeves and boots. Call it good luck or good planning. Gumboots anyone?
Cup's top accessories: poncho and brolly
A poncho and brolly will be your best bet for the Melbourne Cup as heavy rain is predicted to drench the city this morning.
Melissa Cunningham reports: Forecasters warn Flemington could face a deluge with up to 15 millimetres of rain. Sunbury, in Melbourne's north-west, has already been soaked by 20 millimetres in the past two hours, while a severe weather warning has been issued for Central, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and parts of East Gippsland and Northern Country Forecast Districts.
Melbourne is forecast to reach 20 degrees and it will also be extremely sticky, with high humidity creating a risk of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Of course, there'll be a wintry blast later on.
More views from Flemington
Photographer Eddie Jim is also out and about. It's still pretty quiet out there:
The view from the city from Flemington.Credit:Eddie Jim
A wet but colourful start at Flemington.Credit:Eddie Jim
Heads down: A punter arrives at Flemington.Credit:Eddie Jim
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Rain 'opens up race field'
Legendary owner Lloyd Williams is on the line with radio station 3AW. He says the rainy day "opens the race right up".
Williams has won the Cup six times. He takes favourite Yucatan into this year's race.
The first punters are out
The Age's Justin McManus has been out capturing some determined racegoers, braving the weather to claim their spots at Flemington.
The day's first fascinator-wearing fan braves the drizzle to head to Flemington. This punter is from rural NSW. She says this is the first rain she's seen for a very long time.Credit:Justin McManus
Lady in red.Credit:Justin McManus
And another. Those splashes of colour will be eye-catching on a grey day like today.Credit:Justin McManus
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