Protesters stage fashions on the field covered in blood

Anti-horse race protestors were out in force at Flemington, as punters dressed in their suits and fancy frocks passed by on their way to the Melbourne Cup.

Dozens of protestors made sure they didn’t go unnoticed staging their own version of fashions on the field in blood-soaked clothes, while others waved placards that asked ‘Is the party really worth it?’

A ‘human horse race’ was also held at 3pm, the same time as the Melbourne Cup.

Most punters put their heads down and hurried past the demonstration, while some smiled and cheered.

The demonstration was organised by the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses which has been gaining popularity since the ABC broadcast footage of racehorses being mistreated and sent to the slaughterhouse.

Coalition spokeswoman, Kristin Leigh, told AAP the group has been inundated with support since ABC's 7.30 program.

"People are certainly waking up to the truth behind this industry. People can't say they don't know anymore," she said on Monday.

"If you're going to the races this year and you saw 7.30, you are complicit in that animal abuse," she added.

Online, the hashtag #nupthecup was trending on Twitter with many voicing their disgust over the race on social media.

Drones and extra security was put in place to keep punters safe after the protestors vowed to disrupt the race.

Metro Trains and Victoria Police have spent $100,000 ensuring the safety and transportation of the 150,000 people expected to attend Flemington and surrounding areas.

The race that stops the nation still continued and many who wanted to celebrate but didn’t feel comfortable with horse racing chose to attend events where no horses were involved.

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