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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Reactions: NotNats
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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.
God forbid they should ban it... imagine all the fame and wealth now no longer available... or possibly the poor punter having nothing better to do!
We are meant to protect animals, and even use them for good. Horse shows, horse riding amongst many other uses that do not torture the vulnerable animal - especially for monetary gain!
 
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Reactions: Knell
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!
Thank you for your empathy towards the beautiful creatures of this world. ❤️🧡💛
 
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Reactions: Knell
Galloping is one thing, whipping so they run the hell out of themselves, is another!
if you really knew the facts you would know that the jockeys get fined for over-whipping a horse. half the time they are whipping their boots. i do love your jokes but please leave horse racing out of your repertoire.
 
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Reactions: mOiOz
if you really knew the facts you would know that the jockeys get fined for over-whipping a horse. half the time they are whipping their boots. i do love your jokes but please leave horse racing out of your repertoire.
I couldn't care if it's "limited" whipping ... it's cruel, when they race and after when they are no longer useful... what happens to most of them????? I've seen what - with my own eyes!!!!
That's my honest feelings - take it or leave it!!!
The crap about, "overwhipping"... there should be NONE whatsoever!
You're not going to bullshit me with it's "OKAY" ... !!!
Animals should NEVER be used for entertainment and/or profit!
 
if you really knew the facts you would know that the jockeys get fined for over-whipping a horse. half the time they are whipping their boots. i do love your jokes but please leave horse racing out of your repertoire.
Try putting a bit of empathy in yours!!!!
 
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!
Totally - why are we even giving lip service to another stupid Yankee celebration - if you want your kids to have lollies - buy them yourselves you tight arses!
 

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