The fun of the Launceston Cup usually starts with an emergency safety pin or a shared laugh in the queue for a local sparkling wine.
But for many, the magic of cup day arrives during the final furlong, when a self-proclaimed non-racing fan finds themselves screaming louder than everyone because a "roughie" they backed is leading the charge.
"It's amazing how quickly cup fever takes hold," Tasmanian Turf Club chief executive Natalie Waters said.
"We've seen friendships formed in queues, outfits saved with emergency fashion kits, and complete strangers celebrating together after a photo finish. That's the magic of cup day."
The club's chief executive is excited about the event because it focuses on going beyond tradition.
For many, cup day is a whirlwind of fascinators and photo finishes. But behind the scenes, it is a substantial logistical operation.
Mrs Waters said to bring the event to life, the club coordinates a "small army," including more than 160 casual staff hired specifically for the day.
A multifaceted entertainment budget has shifted significantly over the past decade, prioritising the "festival" experience.
"A decade ago, the focus was naturally on the racing program," she said. "While racing remains the heartbeat, we are allocating significantly more into live music, celebrity hosts, and interactive experiences.
"We're deliberately evolving it into something even bigger - a true festival of racing, fashion, food and entertainment. The horses remain the heartbeat, but we're creating an experience where, whether you come for the racing, the social scene, the music or even the chance to win $10,000 through our free Summer Sweeps app game, there's something for everyone.
"It's about honouring the past while building the future of the cup for the next generation."
So, if you're not at the cup for the horses, what's the 'must-do' itinerary?
Mrs Waters says for those who wouldn't know a trifecta from a treadmill, the itinerary is intentionally diverse.
"Start with fashions on the field - one of our most loved cup traditions," Mrs Waters said.
"Then explore the social precincts, enter Summer Sweeps, and indulge in the best of Tasmanian food and sparkling wine in the House of Arras marquee.
"Be trackside to hear incredible local talent Nikia Breen perform the national anthem, enjoy The Drunk Uncles bringing their high-energy '90s nostalgia to the main stage, and then stay on to dance your fascinators off at our first-ever official after-party, headlined by the incredibly talented DJ Sarah Roberts on the Leger stage."
"We're honouring the past while building the future of the cup for the next generation. "We're creating an experience where there's something for everyone.
"We truly believe the Launceston Cup belongs to the community. It's a celebration of our city, our people and everything that makes northern Tasmania special. We hope everyone comes along, brings their friends, dresses up, has some fun and helps us make the event one to remember."