All the characters and colour from the Melbourne Cup

The team behind Melbourne Cup winner Rekindling are no doubt waking up on top of the world this morning, but there are many Aussies who will feeling a tad worse for wear after partying a little too hard at the race that stops a nation.

Flemington racecourse may also need a day or two to recover, after thousands descended on the hallowed grounds to take a punt, or more likely, crack a bottle of bubbly.

Racegoers from all walks of life queued for bottles of Yellowglen, cans of Furphy beer and even frozen cocktails despite the unseasonable spring temperatures.

The revellers went wild, as was evident with many who attempted to speak to A Current Affair’s Martin King.

Most were happy to have their five seconds of fame, but many tried to take over as reporter, trying their luck with the microphone as well as with the bookies.

It was all in good fun though, as Aussies united to watch the first horses break out of the gates for the Melbourne Cup.

Men and women were screaming at the top of their lungs for their horse to run faster.

Read more: Victorian man wins $1 million by backing Melbourne Cup winner

Screeches of “Marmelo”, “Red Cardinal” and “Almandin” rang out from the crowd.

But it was the last 100 metres that had every spectator stunned.

Trainer Joseph O’Brien’s Rekindling hit the front and the rest was history.

Victoria Police said they were overall pleased with the behaviour of racegoers.

Three people were evicted for behavioural offences and two were arrested for drunkenness, while security guards removed four other intoxicated patrons.

Officers did tell reporters a small group of refugee advocates put the lives of Melbourne Cup revellers at risk when they staged protests near Flemington.

The group drove Ford Laser across tracks at Ascot Vale, deflated its tyres and bolted a woman to the steering wheel, causing train delays ahead of the main race, before being removed as the woman was arrested, police said.