Racegoers soak up the atmosphere at the 150th running of the Melbourne Cup - known as "the race that stops a nation" - as Australia comes to a standstill for the famous contest
The race is a big social, as well as sporting occasion, and ladies are encouraged to dress to impress
Singer Enrique Eglesias and television presenter Louise Roe were among a host of celebrities enjoying a day out at the Melbourne meeting
A heavy downpour fails to dampen a carnival atmosphere but racegoers are forced to take shelter as the clock ticks down to the feature race
In the big race, the riders jockey for position as they take a turn on the testing track
A handy position is vital as the field turns into the home straight in the two-mile handicap race
So You Think was hot favourite for 82-year-old trainer Bart Cummings - who has won the Cup 12 times and left his hospital bed to make the meeting - but he had to settle for third as a rare European victory was secured
Third favourite Americain - bred in the United States, trained in France and owned by Australians - wins the race from Maluckylady
It is a first French victory, and only the third European-trained winner in the race's history, and triumphant jockey Gerald Mosse is congratulated by Luke Nolen, on runner-up Maluckyday
Winning jockey Mosse soaks up the applause as Americain, trained by Alain du Royer-Dupre, is led in at Flemington racecourse after a thrilling victory
Mosse savours that winning feeling with the famous trophy. "I was pretty confident as every time I have ridden Americain he has got better," said the Frenchman
After all that hard work, Melbourne Cup winner Americain deserves a bit of pampering and is washed down by Louise Zuilli
What are these?
E-mail this to a friend 
Bookmark with:
What are these?