Aussies slam TV and radio presenter’s decision ahead of Melbourne Cup: ‘How vacuous’

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.


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Radio and TV presenter Carrie Bickmore is under fire after sharing photos of her Derby Day celebration. Credit: @bickmorecarry / Instagram


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.
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.
 
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Poor horses! some didn't look so good. l'm not into horse racing but l wonder if the ''Grand National'' was eventually banned l know they tried to years ago.
poor horses my arse. were you up close to inspect?????? Grand national horses are bred for jumping . OMG talk about what you KNOW.
 
What 'priorities' would you be talking about?
Depends who you are. One person's priority may be worrying about some dopey "royal" undergoing cancer treatment while someone else's might be the Middle East conflict or the price of fish. Who knows?

Don't forget that Australians spent over five times the money on Halloween in 2023 than on the Melbourne Cup. Now that is priorities gone totally wrong!
 
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Read the first bit and the last line, the blah blah blah. Yes get off your soap box and keep making money out of animal cruelty 🤬
So how many of these supporters of "Animal Cruelty" protesting to BAN Horse racing have actually been to the races or toured training facilities at race tracks around Australia? Watch the jockeys and the strappers (the person leading the horse) and trainers treat the horse both before and after the race.

Maybe the biggest question to put to these cruelty campaigners is "What would you suggest to replace the millions of dollars that flow through the Australian Economy if horse racing is stopped. Remember the issues that arose when equine flu quarantines were applied a number of years ago. Its not just the trainers and race jockeys impacted. Its the Farriers (the guys who shoe horses), the feed merchants, the stable hands, the track riders, the silks (racing colours shirts) manufacturer, the leather-smiths who make the saddles, reins, and gear, the factories that make saddle blankets, safety blankets ETC, the work wear providers who carry the Helmets, and safety vests and other personal protection gear for riders and ground staff including the barrier Attendants (the guys and ladies who load the horses into the starting barrier) the vets who look after the animals, the grounds staff at all the race courses around the country, also the hospitality staff and first aid and administrative staff who are employed both full time and part-time on race days, the mechanics who keep the horse trucks (Floats) on the road as well as all the equipment used at the various race course and properties around the country.

Ask anyone who lives near Oakbank in SA about the impact of the decline of Jumps racing on the local economy. What used to bring over 100,000 people into the area over 4 days is now lucky to have a crowd of 15000 over 2 days sue to the ANTI campaigners!!!!

and no I do not own a race horse myself but I have been fortunate enough to have family member who have owned shares in horses for over 60 years. yes there are those out there who should not be allowed to have a pet rock let alone a living breathing animal, but with modern technology and all the checks and legal requirements in place around the industry these people are being forced out and are getting rarer and rarer.

At least those involved are actively doing something constructive not sitting behind a screen and anonymously condemning people they have never met who are being active.


Sorry I'll get off my soap box.
NO please do not. Your comment is a very worthy one. I have put mine in print but you do it better. Thank you. I am an owner, breeder trainers daughter.
 
Depends who you are. One person's priority may be worrying about some dopey "royal" undergoing cancer treatment while someone else's might be the Middle East conflict or the price of fish. Who knows?

Don't forget that Australians spent over five times the money on Halloween in 2023 than on the Melbourne Cup. Now that is priorities gone totally wrong!
honestly. well here is one who did not spend a dime.
 
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You people need to get a grip of the notion that people have different opinions and they are entitled to them! The usual suspects go off on tangents of rage because you have a different opinion. Seriously abusive control freaks.
 
Well RieTreesSilver - just because my opinion differs from yours, it does not make it that I do not have a right to express my opinion... Blunt is ok....I can do blunt if you think you have the right to have the only opinion!?? Do not tell me what to do Champ!
After all, it is reality!
 
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honestly. well here is one who did not spend a dime.
Here in Perth, Tabtouch, the in-person and online betting agency, conveniently shit itself half an hour before the Melbourne Cup. Even my betting account wouldn't process a deposit! Two minutes after the race, Tabtouch miraculously came back to life!

Luckily, I saved my money as I got 2nd, 3rd and 4th in my trifecta picks.
 
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This is the trouble with these debates most people comment on what is fed to us from the media. I'm not a racing fan been to a couple of meets but I do think the Melborne cup race is too long. As a lot of things these big meets mainly for the rich or those hoping for a big win the bookies are the biggest winners
 
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Go take a running jump at yourself you argumentative know it all person
correct, yes i do know a bit. like the running jump bit, very appropriate
Here in Perth, Tabtouch, the in-person and online betting agency, conveniently shit itself half an hour before the Melbourne Cup. Even my betting account wouldn't process a deposit! Two minutes after the race, Tabtouch miraculously came back to life!

Luckily, I saved my money as I got 2nd, 3rd and 4th in my trifecta picks.
the story of my life,
 
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