Julie Bishop and Gina Rinehart lead glamour at rain-soaked Melbourne Cup

Julie Bishop led a stream of famous faces and glamorous racegoers as they braved the rain and pulled out all the stops in some incredible outfits at the washed-out 2018 Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.

Ignoring the heavy rainfall, the former foreign affairs minister, 62, transformed in a fitted multi-coloured floral dress that fell to her knees in a pleated skirt. The trendy v-neckline was completed with a thick collar and she added strappy black stilettos to the outfit to tower next to her partner David Panton at the event.

But it was Bishop’s huge black fascinator that really stole the show, with a floral design on top finishing in a black netted veil covering her eyes as she posed for photos just inside the venue.

The Aussie politician was joined by mining magnate and billionaire Gina Rinehart, 64, who opted for a dramatic white tunic and matching trousers for the long-anticipated race day.

The loose long top featured a very risky low-cut see-through neckline with lace detail, while the wide-leg trousers were another daring choice as she negotiated the soaked ground.

She added strappy silver sandals and a loose white hat to complete her look and matched up with elegant pearl earrings as she flashed a smile to the cameras.

Elsewhere, Michelle Payne made a statement in a gypsy-inspired red and gold patterned dress with dramatic blown-up sleeves and a red headband. The Aussie jockey added huge gold earrings and bracelets to the look and wore simple black strappy heels as she posed in her hotel before braving the rain outside.

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She captioned the photo: “So excited to be heading back out to the day that changed my life forever! Melbourne Cup Day. Thank you to these amazing people for styling me today. Rain, hail or shine it is the most incredible day.”

Fashion blogger Kate Waterhouse is a regular at the races and she made a stunning entrance once again in a bright green full-length floral dress. Wearing her hair tied back with a large bow behind, she looked super stylish as she posed alongside Aussie model Megan Gale.

Gale proudly held up the Melbourne Cup and showed off a very creative look, choosing a black dress decorated with dozens of metallic stars and finishing in a sheer black neckline and sleeves.

The star matched up with an intricate gold headpiece and wore simple black heels, matching her friend perfectly ahead of the main race. Ensuring she didn’t mark the cup, Gale wore white gloves as she held it up for the photos.

The crowds have been forced to seek shelter inside as the heavens opened throughout the morning, with hundreds of spectators watching the races from behind closed doors. However, the weather doesn’t appear to have dampened any spirits, as photos capture people laughing and posing happily together.

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Read more: Is this un-Australian? Sydney pub sparks debate by cancelling Melbourne Cup

Flemington Racecourse, where the event traditionally takes place, shared a video of crowds rushing inside to take cover ahead of the main races kicking off. While many brandished huge umbrellas, others chose to cover their glamorous outfits with ponchos to keep off the worst of the rain.

While several races were pushed back at the start of the day, multiple reports state it’s likely they’ll catch up in order to screen the main race on time.

Which is your favourite outfit so far? Have you ever been to the Melbourne Cup?