They came in frocks but needed Driza-Bones, maybe even puffer jackets when the temperature rose to a balmy 11 degrees at 3pm.

They donned elaborate confections in pink on their heads but Akubras might have been better.

This was not the way Thoroughbred Park was meant to be on Canberra's big race day. The grandstand and the bars were sparse as the rain drove in.

But those who weren't put off by the Bureau of Meteorology gloom in the morning said they enjoyed the outing - but there were fewer of them than on the usual sunny race day out.

"It's bloody freezing and it was so hot yesterday," Snjezana Kovak said as she huddled outside under a parasol with her two friends, Debbie Tate and Anna Caldrmoski.

Had the weather spoiled the day? "No. We're going to have a good time regardless."

And

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