IT MIGHT be the race that stops a nation, but for Warwick TAB franchisee Darren Zealley and staff, Melbourne Cup Day is the busiest of the year.

"It's the day we get the once-a-year punters come through the door as well as the regulars," he said.

With this year's Cup considered an open race with 13 foreign horses, locals had a variety of methods for choosing their pick of the day.

"Some people use birthdates of grandkids or children, or (choose) by trainer" Mr Zealley said.

This year's Melbourne Cup was Mr Zealley's fourth in Warwick, with many regular punters and first-timers alike trying their luck.

With average takings of $250,000 in total over the six days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, it is the busiest time of year for the local TAB.

Mr Zealley and his friendly staff were on hand to help those unsure of how to place their bet.

"Mystery trifectas have been popular this year," he said. "The computer picks three horses so it's good for those who don't know much about punting."

A local lady walked away with a payout of $5339 after using the birth date method for placing her bet.

"She was shocked." Mr Zeally said, "She thought she might have won $100."

Mr Zealley is looking forward to many more Melbourne Cups in Warwick, having just signed for another three years as the Warwick TAB franchisee.

While the local TAB offers everything from footy tipping to punting clubs, the Melbourne Cup has the biggest turnout for the year.