Melbourne Cup Faces Calls for End Amid Rising Concerns Over Animal Welfare

Once known as "the race that stops two nations," the Melbourne Cup is now at the center of growing public opposition. Animal welfare groups, including the Coalition for the Protection of Race Horses (CPR) and New Zealand’s Save Animals From Exploitation (SAFE), argue that the Melbourne Cup and horse racing as a whole come at too high a price for the animals involved. CPR’s recent report highlights a sobering toll: 151 race-day deaths in Australia over the last year due to severe injuries, internal bleeding, and heart attacks, averaging one death every 2.4 days. In New Zealand, CPR counted 20 fatalities over a year from fatal injuries sustained on the track.

Behind the Glamour, a Grim Reality for Horses
While the Melbourne Cup is celebrated for its glamour and betting excitement, Emma Brodie, SAFE campaign manager, describes a darker side to the sport. "Behind the spectacle, horses endure profound physical and mental stress, often with tragic outcomes," Brodie told Checkpoint. "One hundred and fifty-one horses died in the last racing season in Australia... But these numbers are conservative," she explained, noting that deaths during training, trials, and pre-racing careers are rarely recorded.

One of the most controversial aspects of the sport is the use of whips. "Whipping any other animal would be grounds for prosecution—except for horse racing," said Brodie. She argues that the sport, once a cultural staple, now needs to be relegated to "the history books."

Economic Impact vs. Ethical Concerns
Horse racing brings economic benefits as well. A report from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing estimates the industry’s annual economic value at $1.3 billion and highlights the nearly 9,500 jobs it supports in New Zealand. Darin Balcomb, Chief Operating Officer of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, defended the industry’s safety standards, stating that New Zealand has among the world’s best welfare records for thoroughbreds and is committed to continuous improvement in safety measures.

However, Brodie argues that the ethical costs to animals and society outweigh the economic gains. “Horses are the ones paying the ultimate price with their lives for a fleeting moment of entertainment,” she said. Activists also highlight concerns about the link between horse racing and gambling, noting Melbourne Cup Day’s association with spikes in family violence.

Public Opinion Shifting
Public attitudes toward horse racing appear to be shifting, especially among younger generations. A 2023 survey indicated that 62% of Australians aged 18-34 have little to no interest in the sport, and both ratings and corporate sponsorships are reportedly declining. Brodie sees these trends as a reflection of evolving values, with an increased demand for ethical standards in animal welfare.

As the future of horse racing faces scrutiny, the industry remains a point of cultural pride for many, while for others, it symbolizes an outdated tradition that must be replaced by humane alternatives. Whether the Melbourne Cup will continue to race into the future or become part of the past remains a question dividing nations.