The sun was as bright as the frocks on Tuesday afternoon, as up to 1000 Canberrans gathered at Thoroughbred Park to punt on Canberra races and cheer on the Melbourne Cup.
In a park used to more than 5000 people on the iconic day, it was so quiet you could hear the clopping. Of heels, that is.
But the atmosphere was reassuringly calmer with fewer people around, and the attendees - many heavily involved in Canberra racing - were buzzed just to be out of the house.
Having booked a table every year for the past few decades, Dale Dunn was keen to throw down a few bills on the races this year with her gal pals, Anne Foote and Mary Young.
"It's a good chance to get dressed up and enjoy the sunshine," she said.
"We're happy we're here. I mean, two or three days ago we weren't allowed to come."
Brothers-in-beer and in matching Hawaiian shirts, Vincent Samaras, Jacob Coltman and Jordon Stewart were just as excited to drink multiple beverages at once as they were to watch the actual races.
Mr Coltman said the group was at the races to "have fun" while Mr Stewart said they would be betting on horses based off his mum's tips.
The Clancy family, son William, dad Martin and mum Bernadette, won about $400 after betting on the Melbourne Cup race.
They picked Grande Promenade and Spanish Mission. Verry Elleegant strode into first place.
"It's paid for the drinks and parking," the younger Mr Clancy joked.
"It's just good to be out of the house and around people."
Hezredhot won the Federal race in Canberra.
University students and friends Sareeta Darrow and Annie Moffitt were happy for a chance to get dressed up, both glowing in silky gowns.
"We actually got some free tickets for today. So we thought, you know what may as well - uni's ended, let's have a celebration," Ms Moffitt said.
They said it was a good opportunity to drink rose during the day, without feeling cramped by a cold Canberra night.
"It's nice to be around people, but it doesn't feel too intense," Ms Darrow said.
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