Huge crowds at Ellerslie for Melbourne Cup

Winners of Fashion in the Field at Ellerslie races while the Australian neighbours watch the Melbourne Cup. Photo / Greg Bowker

Pencil-clutching race enthusiasts and those immaculately-dressed attendees more interested in the hats, beer and champagne have all made their way to the Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland today.

On a warm afternoon in the Super City, with plenty of sun breaking through heavy cloud cover, the crowd has started the festivities early.

So far seven races have been won and lost at Ellerslie and a crowd of over 3500 people entertained by cirque aerial performers.

The fashion show judges started the afternoon by going tent to tent, tapping the shoulder of those who stood out the most.

One of the judges, TVNZ presenter Renee Wright, said the two winners, race event veteran Di Goldsworthy and first-time attendee Mathew Wang, "just nailed it".

"The standard is really high and the ones we chose really stood out.

"They managed to not only look good, but they wore it well - they seem to know their own style."

Viva duty-editor Janetta Mackay was also a judge.

Consensus ridden by Alysha Collett wins Race 6 the Sofitel Luxury Hotels Stakes at Ellerslie races while the Australian neighbours watch the Melbourne Cup. Photo / Greg Bowker

The final three races will be running after the Melbourne Cup break.

Di Goldsworthy first started coming to the Ellerslie Racecourse with her grandmother about 67 years ago.

The 72-year-old from Remuera in Auckland said the fashion she has seen today is "exciting".

"What really thrills me is to see the young people coming to racing and dressing up.

"They need excuses to dress up and it's happening. It's taken a long time."

She has been involved in organising and running social events at the Ellerslie Racecourse for many years, but today found herself on the winner's stage.

"It was wonderful," Goldsworthy said with a smile.

"Of course with young men like this," she said pointing to her fellow winner Mr Wang, "the ladies want to be here."

Mr Wang, who lives on the North Shore, said he was very surprised when he was tapped on the shoulder and told that the fashion show judges liked how he was dressed.

The 29-year-old works for ASB and it was his first time at the races.

He said the event had so far been "amazing" and that he will definitely be coming back.