It was more pomp than party at Brisbane's Eagle Farm on Melbourne Cup day with not a superhero, sheik or toga to be seen.

Despite the global economic crisis, punters in Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory put $41.75 million on the Cup through UniTAB.

In the true tradition of partying on the first Tuesday in November, a group of Eagle Farm punters added some flavour to the fashion by dressing as wolves, possibly channelling the Hollywood blockbuster Twilight.

But in the main it was very corporate with flowing summer frocks and suits the main attire, punctuated by the odd pair of board shorts which was surprising given the mercury hit 29 around noon.

There was the obligatory fashions-on-the-field, which attracted close to 200 entrants.

It also provided one of the lighter moments of the day when, during the preliminaries, one of the entrants lifted up her dress around her shoulders and did a twirl.

Thankfully for those with a clear and uninterrupted view, she was not only wearing a dress and needless to say she did not make the final.

In all, there were 51 corporate events at Eagle Farm, which has now become the home of Brisbane racing on Melbourne Cup day after previously alternating the hosting honours with Doomben.

The main celebrity function was the Channel Seven event in air-conditioned comfort in the members stand with Weekend Sunrise newsreader Sharyn Ghidella among the local identities in attendance.

Now based in Brisbane, Ghidella, who once owned a horse for charity with Tracey Spicer and Johanna Griggs, was all smiles as Shocking crossed the line to win the Cup.

"I had $10 each way on the winner," Ghidella told AAP.

"I got the tip off a friend who was associated with a horse I once owned for charity with Johanna Griggs and Tracey Spicer."

In her time working with Seven, Ghidella has twice worked in front of the cameras on Melbourne Cup day, but prefers the slower surroundings of Eagle Farm.

"It's quite different to being in Melbourne," she said.

"It's more traditional and calm and less manic and I like the fact I do not have to queue to go to the toilet.

"It's also the first time I have been able to hear (the call of) the race."