The punters were out in finest garb Tuesday to see jockey Jye McNeil ride Twilight Payment into the history books, winning the Melbourne Cup after taking an early lead. The race that stops a nation had a slightly uncanny look this year both at Flemington, where there were no crowds to cheer on the runners, and in Newcastle and Hunter venues, where patrons were required to remain in their seats to watch the event. But COVID-19 social distancing restrictions were enough to dampen spirits as patrons rallied to watch the race. It was Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien's second Cup win, on top of his 2017 salute with Rekindling - his father Aidan O'Brien's still chasing his first victory in the race that stops a nation. Tiger Moth was second, with Prince Of Arran again running a place in the Cup. Herald photographers Max Mason-Hubers and Simone De Peak captured all the action from Newcastle. While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here IN THE NEWS: