Hundreds gathered around office TV sets, pubs and clubs in Whanganui yesterday afternoon to see if their annual flutter or office sweepstake paid off.
Rekindling edged out Johannes Vermeer to take out the 157th Melbourne Cup in the race that is said to stop two nations.
On the edge of her seat at the Wanganui East Club was Mary Austin who, although didn't pick a winner in any of her bets, had Rekindling in the club sweepstake which made for a tense finish.
She said it had been great to come out and watch racing for the afternoon.
"I usually watch it on TV but it's good being in a crowd."