At the Narromine Golf Club, the ladies committee once again put on a fantastic spread, with 77 people attending the feast.

Karri Brennan and Malcolm McIntyre took out the prizes for best dressed female and male.

“We’re very happy, we’ve had a lovely day,” ladies committee president Robyn Jones said.

“It’s all volunteers, Everyone volunteers their help.

“It’s good to have people in the clubhouse.”

People also gathered at the Narromine United Services Memorial Club to watch the big race.

A hush fell over the venue as the horses burst from the gates, with faces glued to the screens.

Even as the race drew to an end the room was unusually silent; it was evident the eventual winner Rekindling and the second-placed Johannes Vermeer were unexpected leaders.

It was a tale of father against son as the Joseph O’Brien-trained Rekindling slowly reeled in Johannes Vermeer – trained by Joseph’s father Aidan – on the home straight to win by less than half a length.

The son of High Chapparal becomes the first three year old to win the race since 1941 and he was the second scorer for jockey Corey Brown, who won on Shocking in 2009.

Whether any locals backed a winner, or not, it’s clear the Melbourne Cup still has the power to bring people together.