A LOW turnout was witnessed at Grants Waterhouse for the Melbourne Cup yesterday.
Local punter Peceli Vunakata said this year's punters were less than last year.
"Before people used to line up reaching the pathway on the Waimanu roadside," he said.
"But with many betting outlets opened, especially in Suva, it has decreased the once crowded popular place during the Melbourne Cup race."
But staff, who wished to remain anonymous, said even though there was a drop in numbers the bets was almost the same as last year.
Grants Waterhouse has other outlets in Suva, Lami and Nabua.
Vunakata said daily punters were well versed with the horses feed, race weather, the jockey plus the price placing.
"Some of us have brought furniture and earned our living by winning big money," he said.
"Some of us do this daily because it's our source of income."
The prize money in yesterday's race was $5.5million.
A local punter Harvey McIndoe couldn't hide his emotions when he won his bet.
"I placed $10 and hoping for a payout of more than $100," the Ra native said to his mates around.
But some of the old punters opted to keep quiet about their winnings aware of fellowmen waiting to have a share of their winnings.
For Mosese Doko and Peceli Vunakata they opted to collect their money later.
"We won't collect it today since a lot of our mates are out here today," Doko said.
