The Melbourne Cup Carnival ends with remarkable numbers that might make some in Britain and Ireland gulp

Attendances soared and so did the television audience. Flemington was filled with young people having a fabulous time in an atmosphere of infectious positivity. To those looking on from Britain or Ireland, that might all seem a little sobering. It should also serve as an inspiration, for this was a Melbourne Cup Carnival that showed racing's mission is far from impossible.

The meeting ended with one of its finest closing Saturdays, one built around three consecutive Group 1 races and the appearance of arguably the world's best horse. Via Sistina was imperious once again at arguably the world's best racing festival, certainly based on its popularity with the people who continue to hold it close to their hearts.

It no doubt helped that this year's Lexus Melbourne Cup hero delivered the sort of fairytale story synonymous with Australia's greatest race. Knight's Choice might have been a largely unbacked 90-1 winner but his success brought smiles to countless faces. So, too, did the fact this was another fatality-free running.