" My major problem now is that, at 76, is it possible for me to catch Bart? 'If you're having this press conference with me and I'm 98, it will be an interesting task." - Winning owner Lloyd Williams who now has five Melbourne Cups and wants to equaly trainer Bart Cummings' record of 12 Cup wins.

"Gee, he travelled well. How lucky am I?, the elation's unreal. He's been well prepared by (owner) Lloyd (Williams), he knows what to do with these staying races. It's just a dream, it's great to be a part of it again." - Jockey Kerrin McEvoy who rode Almandin to win his second Cup after Brew in 2000.

"Second (place), we're going to drink tonight and many other nights. By God, we're not gonna cry." - Aiden Shiels, part-owner of Melbourne Cup runner-up Heartbreak City.

"I thought we were there in the straight. To be so close, it was a magic performance all round. Hopefully we'll be back next year." - Irish trainer Tony Martin on second placed Heartbreak City

"From every perspective, Hartnell's run a blinder." - Godolphin's chief executive John Ferguson on the third placed runner.

"I thought well, my name is Amanda and that is the closest thing so I will just bet on that. There was no rhyme or reason." - Sydney punter Amanda Black walked away with a few extra dollars up her sleeve after plonking on winner Almandin.

"Let's back our Australian horses." - Australia's richest woman Gina Rinehart who made a rare wrong step, tumbling down the stairs of a Melbourne Cup marquee.

"My inspiration is the 1970s where they wore big beautiful glamorous hats and wide legged pants." - Former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins on her red pantsuit she wore to Cup day.