Melbourne Cup Parade cancelled amidst growing controversy
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For the first time in its 40-year history, the annual Melbourne Cup Parade, traditionally held on the eve of Australia's most prestigious horse race, has been cancelled.
The parade, which traditionally showcases decorated horses and jockeys parading down city streets, has occurred every November since 1983 except for 2020 and 2021, when the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
But this year, organisers did not submit the usual permit application and funding request to the City of Melbourne, leading to the historic cancellation.
The move comes amid mounting pressure in recent years from animal rights activists and anti-racing advocates calling for the event to be scrapped.
The parade has become a focal point for protests against horse racing and accusations of animal cruelty in the industry.
Last year, chanting demonstrators waving signs interrupted the return of the parade after a two-year pandemic hiatus. Scenes of rowdy protestors alongside officers on horseback flanking the parade route led to headlines blasting the disruption of a normally cheerful event.
Still, officials promised something else for patrons to anticipate: a new 'feature event'.
'We look forward to unveiling our plans soon for Lexus Melbourne Cup eve celebrations,' said Victoria Racing Club (VRC) CEO Steve Rosich.
But critics see the cancellation as a win for animal welfare groups like the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses, which has spearheaded the alternative event 'Nup to the Cup' since 2010. They argue that horses are abused and sometimes die on racetracks, and these groups want more done to regulate the industry.
The activist pressure is happening during a difficult period for Australian horse racing. Headline-grabbing scandals like the slaughter of retired racehorses have led to declining public support.
Observers have also pointed out that the Sydney Everest Carnival, which hosts a race offering a $20 million prize, has taken the distinction of Australia’s richest race from The Melbourne Cup.
Still, the VRC insists the cancellation was not a response to the activists. The Club will unveil a replacement event soon, continuing its 'longstanding relationship' with the City of Melbourne.
The heated debate around the ethics of horse racing looks unlikely to die down anytime soon. However, the cancellation of this annual tradition symbolises a notable shift in public attitudes on the issue in Australia and beyond.
The Melbourne Cup, often dubbed the 'race that stops a nation', is set to kick off at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7th.
Although the $8 million Lexus Melbourne Cup takes centre stage during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, there's no shortage of additional races and social events to keep everyone engaged.
For the past three years, Channel 10 has been the broadcast home of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, and they will continue this tradition in 2023.
The 10 Network will cover all the major race days throughout the week, starting with AAMI Victoria Derby Day on November 4th. They will also broadcast the Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday, November 9th.
Sky Racing will also provide coverage of the Melbourne Cup as it unfolds.
Members, what are your thoughts on this announcement? Are you in favour of the cancellation? And are you looking forward to the events of the Melbourne Cup Carnival? Let us know in the comments below.
The parade, which traditionally showcases decorated horses and jockeys parading down city streets, has occurred every November since 1983 except for 2020 and 2021, when the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
But this year, organisers did not submit the usual permit application and funding request to the City of Melbourne, leading to the historic cancellation.
The move comes amid mounting pressure in recent years from animal rights activists and anti-racing advocates calling for the event to be scrapped.
The parade has become a focal point for protests against horse racing and accusations of animal cruelty in the industry.
Last year, chanting demonstrators waving signs interrupted the return of the parade after a two-year pandemic hiatus. Scenes of rowdy protestors alongside officers on horseback flanking the parade route led to headlines blasting the disruption of a normally cheerful event.
Still, officials promised something else for patrons to anticipate: a new 'feature event'.
'We look forward to unveiling our plans soon for Lexus Melbourne Cup eve celebrations,' said Victoria Racing Club (VRC) CEO Steve Rosich.
But critics see the cancellation as a win for animal welfare groups like the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses, which has spearheaded the alternative event 'Nup to the Cup' since 2010. They argue that horses are abused and sometimes die on racetracks, and these groups want more done to regulate the industry.
The activist pressure is happening during a difficult period for Australian horse racing. Headline-grabbing scandals like the slaughter of retired racehorses have led to declining public support.
Observers have also pointed out that the Sydney Everest Carnival, which hosts a race offering a $20 million prize, has taken the distinction of Australia’s richest race from The Melbourne Cup.
Still, the VRC insists the cancellation was not a response to the activists. The Club will unveil a replacement event soon, continuing its 'longstanding relationship' with the City of Melbourne.
The heated debate around the ethics of horse racing looks unlikely to die down anytime soon. However, the cancellation of this annual tradition symbolises a notable shift in public attitudes on the issue in Australia and beyond.
The Melbourne Cup, often dubbed the 'race that stops a nation', is set to kick off at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7th.
Although the $8 million Lexus Melbourne Cup takes centre stage during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, there's no shortage of additional races and social events to keep everyone engaged.
For the past three years, Channel 10 has been the broadcast home of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, and they will continue this tradition in 2023.
The 10 Network will cover all the major race days throughout the week, starting with AAMI Victoria Derby Day on November 4th. They will also broadcast the Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday, November 9th.
Sky Racing will also provide coverage of the Melbourne Cup as it unfolds.
Key Takeaways
- This year's annual Melbourne Cup Parade, a fixture since 1983, has been cancelled amid growing protests against the event.
- Victoria Racing Club (VRC) chief executive Steve Rosich stated a 'feature event' will instead be held in the city.
- There has been increased pressure from animal rights activists in recent years calling for the event to be cancelled, with notable criticism of the treatment of horses.
Members, what are your thoughts on this announcement? Are you in favour of the cancellation? And are you looking forward to the events of the Melbourne Cup Carnival? Let us know in the comments below.