PICTURES: Wild scenes as punters run amok at wet Melbourne Cup

While the Melbourne Cup field captures the attention of the nation, so too do punters who book a day off work – and probably the next day too.

So far, they’re not the images you’d typically expect of the crowd enjoying Melbourne Cup Day.

Days, weeks or even months have been spent going into the flashiest frocks for race day.

But today, the classic plastic poncho has emerged as this year’s fashion trend for the peak Spring Carnival event as cold, windy and wet weather bears down on Flemington.

Hopes of a miraculous clear up for the race that stops the nation seem perilous, with a 70 per cent chance for the 3pm feature race start time.

Despite the inverted umbrellas and cold wind conditions, spirits are high trackside.

Here’s what the 90,000 or so punters have been up to so far.

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