Hot weather conditions proved no match for keen racegoers who flocked to Ascot Racecourse for this year's Melbourne Cup.
Attendees braved a very warm 35 degrees in Perth and drank plenty of champagne as they cheered on their favourite horses.
![One Ascot racegoer got carried away, literally, a little too early.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171109201412im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/h/7/e/o/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gzh7j9.png/1510112938808.jpg)
Perth Racing marketing manager Chantelle O'Sullivan said there was a noticeable surge in attendance.
"Last year we saw just over 17,000, and this year there was more than 18,000 people at Ascot," she said.
"There was a strong turnout in traditional race attendees and members, but the bulk of our numbers were general admission."
Ms O'Sullivan believed the surge was due to the unique experience of live racing.
"It was a combination of great weather in Perth and great live racing," she said.
"It really was a fabulous day."
![This Ascot punter was probably upset at the bar having no Emu Export.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171109201412im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/h/7/e/8/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gzh7j9.png/1510112938808.jpg)
Perth Racing ambassador Brittany Taylor said the crowd embraced the spirit of the day.
"People are very attentive to the horse racing here – everyone's placing bets and getting into it," she said.
"[Perth Racing] sold out in hospitality, there's lot's of marquees."
For those who weren't interested in racing, there was plenty of fashion to admire.
"Everyone's really gone to a lot of effort with their outfits," Ms Taylor said.
"There's a lot of colour, especially pinks and reds.
"People are loving wearing millinery because its not something they'd normally be able to do.
"There are lots of headbands and crowns – I'd definitely say that's the main trend this year."
Ms O'Sullivan said the annual fashion parade in the brand new Sterling Room Marquee was a hit with the crowd of 700, who competed for the title of 'Best Dressed'.
And for those who could care less about racing and fashion, there was always food.
"We presold all hospitality options which was really great to see," Ms O'Sullivan said.
"We had been working really hard to upgrade those facilities for this year."
No Spring racing carnival would be complete without an extreme fashion faux pas in true Perth style.