THE race that stopped the nation kept Mildura Racecourse busy on Tuesday.

Enthusiastic crowds gathered under marquees and shade to watch the main event on a big screen, in between races on the bet365 Mildura circuit.

Mildura Racing Club manager Jamie Lanyon said it was great to see the public come out and have a good time.

"This is almost like our grand final," he said.

"There's a lot of excit...