Whether it was a backing a winner or being named the most fashionable, the atmosphere at the annual Melbourne Cup race meeting was buzzing with keen punters.

One North East couple were beaming as they celebrated on-course wins and their first year together.

Glenn Feldtmann and Rebecca Scott were named the best dressed couple after Mr Feldtmann won the men’s category and Ms Scott placed second in the millinery section of Fashions on the Field.

The couple said they had met after winning the best dressed man and lady categories at Berrigan’s Derby Day meeting in November last year.

Yesterday they decided to mark their anniversary by celebrating in the same way that brought them together.

Elvis Presley even turned up at Corowa but he didn’t back a winner even though he was betting on a horse named The King’s Impact.

Jack Gatto has travelled from Geelong to the Border race day for 10 years but decided this year he would don his finest rock and roll jumpsuit for the first time.

“I think it will be a tradition from now on,” he said.

“It puts a smile on people’s faces.”

Corowa Race Club secretary Sheridan Kay said club members had worked to entice more people through the gates this year with the reintroduction of marquees and the addition of a massive LED screen allowing punters to watch Melbourne’s main race.

“People are really enjoying the day and there are a lot more kids,” she said.

“It seems all the hard work has paid off.

“We just want everyone to go home happy and to have backed a winner.”

Bookmaker David Hunter said he had attended the event for the past decade and this year was on par with the last.

“We are up a little bit,” he said.

“I think the club did a better job promoting this year.”

The only advice Mr Hunter was offering yesterday was for punters to go with their gut-feeling.

IT’S not about how much you pay for it, but how you wear it.

That was the sentiment of Fashions on the Field judges at yesterday’s Corowa Melbourne Cup race meeting.

And with the sophisticated, classic look a winner this racing season, there was no question as to why Chesney Vale’s Ally Ellis received the judges’ nod.

In her mid-length dress with a green-flecked pattern, Ms Ellis, who beat more than 20 fashionable hopefuls, believed it was her striking headpiece the judges noticed.

Ms Ellis is no stranger to the most stylish title, winning Fashions on the Field at last year’s Wangaratta Melbourne Cup race meeting.

“I looked for something that was comfortable to wear all day and elegant,” she said.

“I had basic accessories because the hat was fairly intense and I think millinery is always an important part of any racing outfit.”

Runner-up Taryn Lloyd, from Brocklesby, donned a look suited to spring with a pastel pink and yellow floral dress and a 20-year-old hat.

Milliner and Myer Chanel manager Morell Cannan, who judged the competition, said the ladies were more elegant and hats were making a comeback over fascinators.

Ms Cannan said when judging Fashions on the Field, brands were not important and it was about how entrants co- ordinated their outfits.

New to the Fashions on the Field competition yesterday was a category for children under 7.

There were also competitions for men, those aged eight to 17 and best millinery.