Dozens of animal rights activists have protested at the Melbourne Cup parade against the racing industry.
It may not be an official public holiday, but thousands of fans have skipped school and work to line the streets of Melbourne for the annual Melbourne Cup parade.
Locals and tourists cheered, waved flags and snapped photographs as jockeys, trainers and past Melbourne Cup winners made their way along Melbourne's CBD.
Marmelo is now the favourite, aiming to become the first British galloper to win the 6 million Australian dollars race at Flemington, ahead of last year's winner, Almandin, and Humidor.
The Melbourne Cup race will start at 5pm today.
Source: ABC
