Looks fine for Wingatui

PUNTERS heading to Wingatui today should have at least one advantage over those flocking to Flemington — they should not have to take a umbrella.

The Otago Racing Club will hold its annual Melbourne Cup meeting today and a fine, clear day with little wind is forecast.

On the other side of the Ditch, showers and thunderstorms are tipped for Flemington.

Gates at Wingatui open at 11am, and the first race is at 11.50am. The final race at Wingatui will be at 4.40pm, after which punters can sit back and watch the Melbourne Cup at 5pm. General admission is $25.

It will be the first meeting for new Otago Racing Club general manager Rebecca Adlam, who was confident of a good day.

‘‘Everything is looking fantastic. The team here have done a lot of work and we were lucky today with the weather we got that it has dried everything out and the course is great.’’

No buses or trains would run to the course from Dunedin, although promoters have organised buses for students who have just finished exams.

Judging for Fashions in the Fields starts after race three at 1pm.