There are a number of functions planned right here in Moree – so why not get dressed up and make an day of it!

Staff at the Moree Golf Club expect a similar turn out to last year’s cup event, which drew a crowd of 150.

From 8.30am the bar and TAB will be open, with the main event – a two course Melbourne Cup luncheon – at 12.30pm. On Sunday night, the golf club will host a calcutta at 7pm, and tickets are currently on sale.

Lunch costs $25 per person and includes the meal, a box trifecta ticket and a glass of champagne.

There will also be prizes for the best-dressed mare, filly and gentleman as well as lots of sweeps and spot prizes on the day thanks to support from Ruby Soles and Beauty Matters.

The Moree Services Club is also gearing up for a big day. It will host a calcutta on the Monday night at 7pm before race day, with tickets on sale now.

There will also be sweeps all day and the losers will get to go into another special draw.

The club will open early next Tuesday, November 1, to take bets from 8.30am onwards.

Lunch will be available at the bistro and members will go into a draw to win dinner and refreshments for four people.

The Amaroo Tavern – home to the big plane – will open early to cater for those looking to place a bet and will have the champagne flowing.

Meals will be available at the bistro and the public bar offers large televisions to view all the racing action. 

The race that stops a nation is one of the richest and most prestigious two-mile handicap horse races in the world. Last year’s Melbourne Cup winner was a New Zealand horse, Prince Of Penzance, ridden by Michelle Payne. As the first female jockey to ride a winner Michelle earned a special place in the hearts of Australians.

This year – after suffering a life-threatening fall – she was awarded the Don prize for producing the most inspired moment in Australian sport at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame awards.

In 2014, German horse Protectionist won, while in 2013 Fiorente – ridden by Damian Oliver and trained by Gai Waterhouse was first across the line.

It’s still early days, but there is interest already being generated by  Hartnell trained by John O'Shea and Jameka – the horse that won this year’s Caulfield Cup.

According to Racenet.com.au favoured runners get the most attention every year. The last Melbourne Cup favourite to win was Fiorente in 2013, who ran as the public elect at $7. Cup legend Makybe Diva won two of her three cups as favourite.