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There’s a special alchemy that happens the minute race seven is over.

It’s the Melbourne Cup, the high point of the spring racing calendar,

the reason behind this whole palaver, and the minute it’s over

everything turns to shit.

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy riding Cross Counter wins race 7. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Drunken patrons who were focused on the day’s biggest bets fall to

pieces. Shoes that had been taken off because it’s hard to jump on

grass in heels become lost. The lawn, churned up and littered with

plastic alcohol glasses, suddenly empties of people, leaving only

carnage behind.

People walking in the mud. Photograph: Dave Crosling/AAP

If you are the type of person who only follows the Melbourne Cup to

see pictures of people falling into bins so you can feel smug about

not falling into a bin: your fun is just about to begin.

