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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Just read 59 horses have died in the Grand National since year 2000
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.
i agree but first know what you are talking about.
 
They have a choice... horses don't!
Actually, most racehorses apparently enjoy racing according to a former work colleague who was a track rider for a prominent Victorian trainer in the 1990s. She commented on their eagerness to gallop when they approached to course proper. They get excited and, at times, fractious.

But that's just one person's opinion.
 
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They have a choice... horses don't!
you have funny jokes but this is not even funny. have you ever seen these horses galloping around in a paddock where they could break a leg. I am not talking about one I am talking about several horses on a stud farm all thoroughbreds. a joy to behold. horses have more sense than humans.

s.
 
you have funny jokes but this is not even funny. have you ever seen these horses galloping around in a paddock where they could break a leg. I am not talking about one I am talking about several horses on a stud farm all thoroughbreds. a joy to behold. horses have more sense than humans.

s.
Galloping is one thing, whipping so they run the hell out of themselves, is another!
 
For the record, I absolutely hate hurdles and steeplechase racing but thoroughly enjoy racing on the flat. I've seen numerous horses come to grief in my 50 odd years of racegoing and wouldn't need two hands to count them.

Only yesterday, some activist jerkoffs picketed the race meeting at Ascot in Perth. The strange thing was they were all female. Maybe the men had more sense and went to the pub instead.... :ROFLMAO:
 
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There are strict laws of racing that limit the number of times a horse can be whipped. A jockey who exceeds that limit will face a lengthy suspension imposed by the stewards.
I know, Veggie. It's a maximum of four or five. It's still cruel, and even more so when the animals are overexerted, causing nosebleeds, etc!
And.... all for money! 🤮
 
A few posters are calling for a ban on horseracing by quoting statistics. I am suggesting a ban on cars by quoting statistics using their logic. Just a comparison between deaths of racehorses and humans.

The question is what is more important.
To hell with the people... they can bloody look after themselves... !!!!
 
so what would you all suggest to replace the monetary impact of banning the entire cruel racing industry in Australian society. It great to protest and and point out dangerous or life threatening situations after all that how seatbelts & RBT became normal. But the majority of the rent a crowd have very little direct experience with horses or the industry and offer no alternate employment for all these people, a lot of them just wage earners not highly paid. Like most things moderation and consideration never goes astray and there are always extremes on both ends of the spectrum.
 
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A few posters are calling for a ban on horseracing by quoting statistics. I am suggesting a ban on cars by quoting statistics using their logic. Just a comparison between deaths of racehorses and humans.

The question is what is more important.
Oh ok just wondered. Aside from that what do you think to the election in US?'
 
I know a successful horse owner and trainer and she is anything but cruel to her animals, and I admire her for that. But there are some out there that don’t care and once the horse stops making money they don’t give a flying fig what happens to them. I always had a bet on the Melbourne Cup, and I was quite good at picking a winner (all done by name not form lol) but since all this cruelty was brought to light I don’t do that any more. If anyone else likes a bet, my son included, then that’s fine. I dont tell anyone else what to do, I just chose not to be part of it. Same with dog racing. We are friends with dog trainers who adore their dogs and treat them like royalty, even when they retire - the ones they don’t keep as pets are found loving homes.
 
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I have a reasonable knowledge regarding some of the Crime and Corruption Committee as part of the Fitzgerald Inquiry—Lewis, Hinze, and others, including SP Bookies and connections with drug trafficking and Mafia, and associated serious major criminal offences within many organisations...dogs/fleas. Anything with the amount of money spent on horse racing (and all gambling) has crime attaching and is ruthless.

I have had horses agisted in our paddocks for about 10 years. I don’t know much, and I did not ride them, but I sure did love them. They are very smart and emotionally intelligent—far more than many humans!. Studies have proved they feel the whipping the same way we would. For a horse to race that distance—the training is harsh—enlarged heart muscles, etc.—is real. Yes, of course they are looked after while they are winning; they are big money for owners and trainers. I maintain Melbourne Cup distance is cruel—my opinion!

Estimates suggest that Australians lose approximately $25 billion on legal forms of gambling each year, representing the largest per capita losses in the world. I have seen the damage to people and families.

This is my opinion—I do not care that you don't like it or agree with it, so do not bother mouthing off at me!
 

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