QUEANBEYAN's Cheryl Baker has her husband to thank for making a last minute punt and picking her first ever Melbourne Cup winner at the Royal Hotel on Tuesday afternoon.
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She admitted she left work, dashed straight home, went to the Royal Hotel and made her bet 15 minutes before the start of the 3200 metre Melbourne Cup race, won by horse number five 'Protectionist'.
"I'm really, really excited and absolutely besides myself," said Mrs Baker as she celebrated after the race.
"I had no idea who to bet on, and my husband said 'bet on number five, I've got a good feeling about that one', so that's what I did and I go the win."
She said she only bets once per year, for the Melbourne Cup, and her punt on Protectionist was her first ever win.
"I bet 20 dollars for Protectionist to win or get a place, and I got it right. I can't believe it. I'm so happy," she said.
People packed into the Royal to watch the race that stops a nation, with some dressing up in fancy dress, while others enjoyed a casual lunch and a drink.
National betting agency Tabcorp estimated a record $800 million would be spent on bets for this year's Melbourne Cup.
