In picturesque conditions, hundreds of people passed through the gates which built a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

Best dressed would have been a difficult category to pick, as locals dazzled in their suits and dresses both outside and in the packed function room.

MRC general manager Duane Dowell said he was ecstatic they had such a high turnout.

"The crowd, without confirming numbers, looks to be bigger than last year which is really positive," he said.

"Today you just couldn't get a better day, there's a nice light breeze and I think people are really enjoying the conditions."

There was some concerns that attendance would be affected by the recent 7:30 Report on the ABC, which highlighted the mistreatment and slaughtering of some racehorses after their retirement.

However, as evidenced by Tuesday's race meeting, that wasn't the case and Mr Dowell believes people have faith in the industry and their desire for change.

"I think people have sen that report then looked at the response from the racing industry and that we're looking [to deal with it]," he said.

"A lot of that stuff was outside of our jurisdiction and now we hope to see change in terms of abattoir practices and tracking horses from birth right through to natural death."

It's been a big day for racing in the Upper Hunter, with Scone-bred horse Vow and Declare winning the 2019 Melbourne Cup.