Cup fun runneth over

RACE-GOERS are expected to flood the grounds of Yarra Valley Racing for the most prestigious harness racing event of the year – Melbourne Cup Day, on Tuesday, 1 November.
The renowned meet is the day to make a strong fashion statement with an exotic or outrageous ensemble.
The day will be full of family entertainment, including live music, dining and hospitality packages, Fashions on the Field, children’s activities and more.
This year’s Fashion on the Field competition will have new categories and a prize pool of over $16,000.
Categories include Oxford Most Elegant Lady, Beautiful Room Best Millinery, Ed Harry Best Dressed Gent, Ozmosis Best Dressed Junior 13-17 years old, and MRP Best Dressed Junior under 12 years old.
There will be a number of public bars and racegoers are not permitted to bring alcohol to the day.
Meanwhile, the TAC is reminding racegoers that the safest bet is to separate drinking from driving altogether.
TAC road safety manager Samantha Buckis said planning a safe way home should be racegoers’ number one priority if their race-day plan involved drinking alcohol.
While it is legal to drive with a blood-alcohol level under .05, Ms Buckis said any level of alcohol in a person’s system impairs their judgement and their ability to drive safely.
Research shows drivers with a blood-alcohol level of .08 are five times more likely to have a crash than before they started drinking.
At 0.12, their crash risk has increased tenfold.
A number of public transport options are available to those heading to and from the event.
Gates will open at 10am, and free parking will be available.
For more information, visit country.racing.com/yarra-valley