by Mat Churchill

It's the one day of the year that most of us enjoy a flutter, and there were some big winners in Port Douglas come 2.05pm yesterday.

What is it about the Melbourne Cup that creates such excitement and anticipation? The Court House Hotel was packed with socialites where punters were dressed to impress, and with a pocket full of betting slips, there was plenty of hope creating an electric atmosphere.

Even world renowned environmentalist David Suzuki was in attendance at the Courty for the Melbourne Cup experience.

Prior to the race, those crowding the upper story of the Courty had steered clear of the red hot favourite, the Bart Cummings trained 'So You Think', with many chasing better odds with Maluckyday, Illustrious Blue, and Linton.

It was a tremendous occasion with fine food, wine, champagne and beer flowing, and there were plenty of laughs with Evan 'Buddah' Hocking's unique sweeps.

Darryl Purvis summed it up best. "If you're not at the races in Melbourne you should be up here. It's just as good," he said.

Click here for more social photos from the Courty

Local self-proclaimed Dr. Turf, Wayne Stapleton, was looking to extend his impressive Melbourne Cup record having won 14 of his last 18.

"My secret is watching the races on the Saturday prior to the Cup….oh, and beer," he said showing off his bling.

But it was down to business five minutes before the race. Punters on the balcony jostled for the best position in front of the TV, hoping they could witness their chosen horse do the same in the run to the line.

The familiar roar of the crowd was deafening as the gates opened, and then they settled, again much like their horses until the home straight.

But as can so often happen in the Melbourne Cup, widely known as the hardest race in Australia to tip, the favourite couldn't make up ground on a storming outsider.

See the video of the crowd reaction as the runners headed for home (top left)

So You Think had to settle for third behind Americain, and second placed Maluckyday.But despite the upset there was plenty to smile about for one lucky punter who was overjoyed when he realised he'd picked the lucrative 'First Four' which paid almost $7,500.

He wasn't alone.

Kim Hurley from Radio Port Douglas picked the trifecta which paid over $300. "I'm going to buy a new Cloud Nine guitar," she gushed.

So how did our local tipping wizard go? Wayne had backed Shocking before the race it failed to win a place. He looked distraught as he saw his record deteriorate, before a friend reminded him he had Maluckyday in the valuable Calcutta, earning him a cool $4,000.

Maluckyday couldn't have been more appropriate.

<<< See the video of Wayne's reaction to his win in the lucrative Calcutta