While for the serious punters it was all about the form guide, for many it was simply the flutter for the year and a great excuse to get dressed up and go out.

At the Forbes Inn over 300 people turned out to watch a fashion parade, participate in sweeps and join the $10 punters club.

Friends Amanda Jones and Caitlin Lewis had lunch at the Inn and enjoyed placing a bet as well as watching the fashions.

While Caitlin said she put $5 on ‘Viewed’ and placed a trifecta, friend Amanda resisted the temptation of a flutter but she said she would be cheering for ‘Alcopop’ during the race.

Dos King joined her friends at the Inn in a sweep, and said they chose the Inn as their venue because they try and do something different each year.

At the Golf Club, attendees were invited to share in a buffet lunch with dessert, 100 club, best dressed competitions, sweeps and lucky door prizes.

Committee members Alison Baker and Debbie Tilley said around 58 people attended the luncheon which was held to utilize the club and had a friendly atmosphere.

It wasn’t just the local clubs and hotels who were benefiting from race-day fever.

Gabrielle Miller of News on Rankin said they had sold 560 Daily Telegraph newspapers before 11am.

“People who don’t usually buy a paper came in and bought one,” Ms Miller said.

Around 150 people converged on the Forbes Services Club to watch the race and participate in sweeps, lucky door prizes, best dressed woman and best hat competitions.

The club had also held a champagne brunch and lunch.

Club Manager David Fitzgerald admitted while he wasn’t much of a punting man, he had been given a tip to put his money on Kibbutz, lucky 13.

While some placed their money according to colours, local punter Sandra Hocking said she had placed her bet on ‘Shocking’ because its name matched her initials – S.Hocking.

“I’m hoping Shocking comes home,” Mrs Hocking said.

When the race came home with Shocking crossing the finishing line in spectacular fashion, it was all smiles for Mrs Hocking and her winning ticket.

It doesn’t get any luckier than that.