The race that stops a nation also brought plenty of excitement to Ōpōtiki on Tuesday, with locals gathering at Slims Bar to enjoy their own slice of Melbourne Cup day.

Slims Bar hosted its annual private function for Melbourne Cup enthusiasts, with a strong turnout of locals settling in to watch the big race unfold across three screens set up for the occasion.

Alongside the racing action, a mock auction was held, with proceeds going towards the Ōpōtiki Golf Club.

Across the Tasman, this year’s 166th running of the Melbourne Cup at Flemington attracted a crowd of more than 97,000, with 23 horses lining up for the famous 3200-metre staying test.

It was a memorable result for trainer Ciaron Maher, whose horse Point of Law, ridden by Ethan Brown, claimed victory ahead of stablemates Zahrann and Juja Kibo.

Maher made history by becoming the first trainer to prepare the first three placegetters in the race.