It’s Melbourne Cup Day and while it feels like just about every Aussie celebrity, socialite and social media star is at some sort of Cup Day event (no doubt your Insta feed is being bombarded with pics of glamorous women and ridiculously well-groomed men too) there are more than a few who are saying #nuptothecup instead.
The reason? Animal cruelty. A recent study revealed that 119 horses were killed on Australian racetracks over the last ‘racing year’ – 16 collapsed and died, 11 died from cardiac causes, some suffered injuries including broken necks and ruptured aortas.
Make that 120 by the way. The Cliffsofmoher who suffered a fractured right shoulder during today’s race had to be euthanised soon after.
And what’s worse, The Cliffsofmoher and the 119 others are just the ones we know of. In some Australian states there is no requirement to record the deaths of horses if they happen during training or in trials.
David Campbell is one of many saying #nuptothecup today. He’s gone for a run through Sydney instead because he “doesn’t agree with the exploitation of animals.”
Married At First Sight’s Dean Wells also ditched the cup today. In a video posted to Insta he says, “here’s my take on Melbourne Cup – I don’t do it. I stay away. I don’t support those industries. I don’t like horse racing. I don’t like greyhound racing. Those industries should be banned.” He continues to explain why he thinks horse racing is “archaic, pointless and cruel” and urges his fans to bet on something else like soccer instead.
Fashion designer Alannah Hill says she understands “it’s a billion dollar industry” and “a smashing chance to dress up” but she doesn’t agree with the way the horses are treated:
Model and animal rights activist Imogen Anthony didn’t just say #nuptothecup….she’s giving it and everyone who supports it the finger:
Actress and director Simone Buchanan is raising awareness about the cruelty of horse racing, posting this image from non-profit organisation, Coalition For The Protection of Race Horses:
Model Sophia Barrett says “the horses live such miserable lives beaten into submission for human entertainment.” She’s urging her followers to think twice about what they’re “supporting, sponsoring and upholding.”
New South Wales Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi (ok technically, not a celebrity, but still..) shared her simple message this morning:
Refugee activist Kon Karapanagiotidis posted this message:
Vegan Food blogger Zac Bird added his voice to the hashtag:
And then there’s Annie Nolan of UncannieAnnie.com.au fame who summed up her thoughts in an Insta story:

Image via @uncannieannieblog Instagram stories
What do you think of the Melbourne Cup and horse racing in general?