SYDNEY, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Australia's premier horse race, the Melbourne Cup, has run despite early wet weather which cleared for the main event on Tuesday afternoon.

Taking home the cup was English horse Cross Counter, which sprung from behind close to the finish to enter into history.

Known locally as "the race that stops the nation", every year the Melbourne Cup becomes a focal point for viewers across the country to put aside what they're doing, and perhaps pick a winner.

The day is also a public holiday in the host state of Victoria, which this year experienced heavy rains causing flooding and disruption to transport in the morning leading up to the race.

However, the bad weather was far from enough to deter those who, in Cup day tradition, donned their best suit or dress to celebrate in style trackside.

Aside from the weather, another dark cloud on the day was the tragic fate of Irish horse The Cliffsofmoher, which had to be euthanized after sustaining an injury during the race.

Injuries and subsequent euthanization of horses in the Melbourne Cup have led to criticism of the day and the sport overall, with a growing number of Australians now turning away from the once-widely popular event.