Aussies slam TV and radio presenter’s decision ahead of Melbourne Cup: ‘How vacuous’
By
Seia Ibanez
- Replies 5
As the Melbourne Cup approaches, it's not just the thundering hooves and the thrill of the race that captures attention.
Fashion, too, plays a pivotal role in this cultural spectacle. However, this year, the glitz and glamour have been overshadowed by controversy, with popular radio and TV presenter Carrie Bickmore at its centre.
Radio and TV presenter Carrie Bickmore has found herself in hot water after sharing photos of her Derby Day celebration at Flemington Racecourse.
Derby Day, a key lead-up event to the Melbourne Cup, is traditionally a monochrome affair, and Carrie certainly dressed to impress in a form-fitting Effie Kats dress complemented by a chic black hat.
But beneath the surface of this sartorial elegance lies a deeper issue that has divided the nation. Many Australians have grown increasingly critical of horse racing, citing animal welfare concerns.
The RSPCA has highlighted the lack of transparency in the industry, particularly concerning the number of injuries and fatalities among racehorses.
The risks are real and significant, with horses potentially facing torn ligaments, muscle tears, fractured bones, and even internal bleeding in the lungs.
The use of whips, tongue ties, and spurs in racing has also come under scrutiny for causing discomfort, pain, and potential injury to the animals.
Carrie's followers did not hold back, expressing their disappointment and disapproval in the comments section of her social media post.
The reactions ranged from polite disillusionment to outright indignation.
'Or we could not support animal abuse just to dress up pretty,' one person wrote, while another commented, 'I'm kind of disappointed you would support the races. Love you, but not this decision.'
The sentiment was echoed by others, with one asking, 'You support the death of horses all in the name of dressing up and having fun?'
‘Animal cruelty with a side of fashion! How vacuous,’ someone else added.
The backlash was not universal, however. Some fans were quick to praise Carrie's look, with Nadia Bartel commenting, 'You looked incredible!' and Khanh Ong adding, 'Stunning hun.'
Compliments continued to pour in, with one user declaring, 'One of your best looks ever, Carrie! All class,' and another confessing, 'I am legitimately obsessed with your looks at the moment.'
You can check Carrie’s photos below:
Credit: @bickmorecarrie / Instagram
The Melbourne Cup has received backlash over the past few years. In a previous story, the annual Melbourne Cup Parade was cancelled last year amid growing protests against the event.
Instead, the officials have made a ‘feature event’ in lieu of the annual event. You can read more about the story here.
Have your views on horse racing and events like the Melbourne Cup changed? Do you think it's possible to enjoy the tradition while still promoting animal welfare? Let's have a discussion in the comments below.
Fashion, too, plays a pivotal role in this cultural spectacle. However, this year, the glitz and glamour have been overshadowed by controversy, with popular radio and TV presenter Carrie Bickmore at its centre.
Radio and TV presenter Carrie Bickmore has found herself in hot water after sharing photos of her Derby Day celebration at Flemington Racecourse.
Derby Day, a key lead-up event to the Melbourne Cup, is traditionally a monochrome affair, and Carrie certainly dressed to impress in a form-fitting Effie Kats dress complemented by a chic black hat.
But beneath the surface of this sartorial elegance lies a deeper issue that has divided the nation. Many Australians have grown increasingly critical of horse racing, citing animal welfare concerns.
The RSPCA has highlighted the lack of transparency in the industry, particularly concerning the number of injuries and fatalities among racehorses.
The risks are real and significant, with horses potentially facing torn ligaments, muscle tears, fractured bones, and even internal bleeding in the lungs.
The use of whips, tongue ties, and spurs in racing has also come under scrutiny for causing discomfort, pain, and potential injury to the animals.
Carrie's followers did not hold back, expressing their disappointment and disapproval in the comments section of her social media post.
The reactions ranged from polite disillusionment to outright indignation.
'Or we could not support animal abuse just to dress up pretty,' one person wrote, while another commented, 'I'm kind of disappointed you would support the races. Love you, but not this decision.'
The sentiment was echoed by others, with one asking, 'You support the death of horses all in the name of dressing up and having fun?'
‘Animal cruelty with a side of fashion! How vacuous,’ someone else added.
The backlash was not universal, however. Some fans were quick to praise Carrie's look, with Nadia Bartel commenting, 'You looked incredible!' and Khanh Ong adding, 'Stunning hun.'
Compliments continued to pour in, with one user declaring, 'One of your best looks ever, Carrie! All class,' and another confessing, 'I am legitimately obsessed with your looks at the moment.'
You can check Carrie’s photos below:
Credit: @bickmorecarrie / Instagram
The Melbourne Cup has received backlash over the past few years. In a previous story, the annual Melbourne Cup Parade was cancelled last year amid growing protests against the event.
Instead, the officials have made a ‘feature event’ in lieu of the annual event. You can read more about the story here.
Key Takeaways
- Carrie Bickmore has drawn criticism from some fans for attending Derby Day at Flemington Racecourse, where she was seen dressed in black and white.
- Critics point out the risks to horses involved in racing, citing possible injuries and discomfort caused by whips, tongue ties, and spurs.
- While some followers expressed disappointment and concern about animal welfare, others complimented Carrie's fashion choice.
- The divided reaction demonstrates the ongoing debate over the ethics of horse racing and its associated events.