Medium-sized rainfall through the afternoon event didn't dampen a festive mood; if anything added to the sense of occasion, said event experience coordinator Cass Hill.

"One farmer said to me, normally rain puts a dampener on an outdoor event, however everyone's out in the rain having a great time," she said.

"It actually improved the atmosphere and added to the vibe."

Armed with extra food outlets, a designated decked-out fashions garden area and above all a dedicated champagne distribution truck, the event was classier than ever, she said.

That's because a major priority for 2020 was adding a stylish "vibe" to the occasion to attract more families and women to the iconic event, she said.

"Horse racing goes with bubbly and a good time, plus also a stylish time," she said.

"And I think that's one thing that it's good for country racing to really focus on because the cities do it really well.

"I think that it was really good to see that.

"I definitely noticed the fashions being a big hit year this year."

Expect an expanded champagne garden in 2021, plus a new "fashions zone".

"It will have its own catering, it will also have a big stage, it will be undercover,

"That will be running throughout the day, it won't be just a period time. We're going to make it a big focus for next year.

"The fashions will be an event in itself."

The crowd watched eight year old gelding Puzzling Wonder took out the event, leaving odds-on-favorite Vega de Lago well behind in fourth place.

Racing continues next weekend with the Deepwater Cup race meeting scheduled in the smaller town.

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