HOWZAT FOR A WIN

AUSTRALIA’S Test cricket captain Tim Paine and wife Bonnie were among those celebrating the Melbourne Cup in Tassie yesterday — as Vow and Declare became the first Australian horse in a decade to win the nation’s great race.

FASCINATORS and frocks were the order of the day as thousands dressed up for Melbourne Cup events statewide.

Vow and Declare took out the big race yesterday but there were plenty of winners in the fashion stakes hundreds of kilometres away from Flemington.

One top hit with punters was the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation’s fundraising lunch at Mona.

Glamorous women and dapper men boarded the Mona Roma ferry and ventured up the Derwent with a glass of something fancy in hand for an afternoon of entertainment.

Virginia Pitt, of New Town, attended with her friend Megan Tudehope, of Lenah Valley.

“Everyone was in really good spirits,” Ms Pitt said.

“They had some entertainment from the cast of Mamma

Mia before we went inside and they were really interactive with the crowd and gave off a fun vibe.

“The food was fantastic, there were three courses.

“I tried both desserts and they were delicious.

“I didn’t back any horses, but I backed the research foundation.”

The RHH foundation raised $45,000 in ticket sales alone for the sold-out gala event.

Down the river in Sandy Bay, Wrest Point held a Melbourne Cup luncheon of its own.

It was a colourful occasion full of racing, games, prizes and more fabulous fashion.

The fun and festivities were led by Australian actor and singer Tim Campbell.