Racegoers travelling to the Melbourne Cup will be under drone surveillance as authorities prepare for protests during today's iconic race.
Animal activists are expected to make themselves known outside the Flemington racecourse where thousands of people will watch the Melbourne Cup unfold.
Police will be keeping a close eye out for anti-racing protesters who have vowed to disrupt the event.
Two new drones will be used to monitor trains carrying more than 150,000 racegoers expected to take public transport to the event.
Metro Trains previously rented drones to monitor major events, but the new purchase means they'll be used more often to track crowd sizes, movements and any trespassers.
It also has a mobile CCTV station to help ensure the rail line to Flemington is kept clear for race goers. At its peak today, trains will run every four minutes to the track.
This is not the first time people concerned about the treatment of racehorses have picketed the $8 million Cup.
The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses has planned a protest outside Flemington racecourse. It says the group has been inundated with public support since media reports of racehorses being sent to a slaughterhouse.
"People are certainly waking up to the truth behind this industry. People can't say they don't know anymore," Coalition spokeswoman Kristin Leigh said.
Metro Trains and Victoria Police have spent $100,000 to tighten security for the race and help people arrive there smoothly.
More than 1000 extra train services will run to and from the racecourse, one every four minutes during peak travel times.
Get some quotes for a drone operator
✔ 100% free service✔ Featured in the SMH, The Age & WA Today
✔ 1,800+ online recommendations
