As more horses risk life and limb at The Melbourne Cup today, animal lovers are gathering at Flemington Racecourse and across the country to stand up for the victims of what has been described as an outdated and exploitative horseracing spectacle.
‘Yesterday, the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) held its second ever annual ‘Nup to the Cup Parade and marched through Melbourne CBD en masse,’ said Elio Celotto, Campaign Director for CPR.
‘Today we are at Flemington to remind everyone that this is a “sport” which treats its superstars like disposable objects and not like kings and queens, as the racing industry would have the public believe.’
Shocking numbers
Statistically, one horse was killed from racing every 2.2 days during the racing year 2025/26 in Australia.
This doesn’t include the thousands of additional racehorses who disappear without a trace, including being brutally shot at illegal knackeries as exposed last week by Farm Transparency Project.
‘More Australians than ever refuse to take part in exploiting animals for gambling and entertainment,’ Mr Celotto said.
‘Instead, they say ‘Nup to the Cup and celebrate Melbourne Cup Day at alternative events that don’t support animal cruelty.’
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