Race manager Michael Craig has worked the past 17 Cup Days in the Illawarra and despite being thousands of kilometers away from Melbourne, it’s “Australia’s race”.

He said the first Tuesday in November was at least twice as big as any other meeting throughout the year.

“There’s a lot of preparations to be made and everybody’s on their toes in the weeks leading up to the date,” he said.

For bookie Grant Lynch, the “Aussie tradition” was also his biggest day. He recalled his biggest winner from several years back when a punter put $2000 each way on a horse that was paying 50 to one – he won. But it’s not all about the gambling.

“I think it’s to do with fashion, and everyone just gets swept up in the moment and has an afternoon off,” said Mr Lynch.

For Shantelle Morris and her colleagues it’s about “getting to wear something stupid on your head and look good”.

The 33 year old from Dapto said her work used it as an opportunity for a “picnic day”, so was here with a group of 15 friends and friends of friends fine dining on Camembert and bubbles.

Ms Morris’ table spread was not uncommon throughout the racecourse, with decadent platters on picnic blankets, bar tables and inside marquees.

Mark Southall didn’t bring an array of tasty treats, but he did bring matching green Hawaiian shirts.

As the boss of Active Fire Services in Dapto he liked to give his employees a chance to relax on Cup Day, only this year they decided to go all out to “turn a few heads”.

Doorman Tony has worked at Kembla for years, but said he really liked taking pride in his appearance.

He agreed there were so many facets to why our country has a love affair with Cup Day, but fashion played a huge role.

Of course you can’t forget another major part of the day, the horses. Punters used many methods to pick their numbers – some studied statistics with a laptop on their knees, others went with a name they liked, and some put one on everything.

For one lucky race-goer from Thirroul his random $6 bet on Flemington’s race 7 brought him far more than expected, roughly $20,000.

The local businessman was stoked while his friends sat at their marquee table in shock at the amazing win.

One thing absent from the track this year were drunks and disorderlies. While the champagne was flowing, and Illawarra Mercury photographers were being stalked by tipsy men wanting their picture taken, it remained all class at Kembla.

Remember to gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know needs help call Gambler’s Anonymous (02) 9726 6625.