Hundreds of locals took the opportunity to celebrate the running of the 2011 Melbourne Cup in style as the town buzzed with parties on every corner.

In what is one of the biggest social occasions in Port Douglas, punters dressed to impress, while others dressed to stand out from the crowd.

WATCH THE REACTION OF PUNTERS AS THE CUP IS RUN (top left)

While the race that stops the nation certainly lived up to its reputation with eventual winner, Dunaden, beating Red Cadeaux in a photo finish, racing on the day came a distant second to glitz and glamour.

People flocked to functions all over town including the Barrier Reef Tavern, Bistro 3, the Combined Club, Salsa, and the ever popular Court House Hotel to witness what is being described as the closest finish in Melbourne Cup history.

CHECK OUT THE SOCIAL PAGE FOR PHOTOS FROM THE DAY

The 151st running of the Cup carnival saw plenty of champagne consumed and pick-up lines spruked like Americain Drunken Sailors who were Older Than Time.

That was, until the Jukebox Jury became involved At First Sight, eliminating the one-liners as deftly as The Verminator, in order to restore some Glass Harmonium.

But everyone became Lost in the Moment when Dunaden did it, setting a Precedence by winning Niwot by a nose, but by a hair’s breadth in a photo finish over Red Cadeaux.

Granted, all the local fun raged on into the night, but we are sure Melbourne Cup functions will be back in Port Douglas, bigger and better than ever next year.  

How did you spend the day? Send us your photos to editor@thenewsport.com.au   

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