For Immediate Release, Saturday 1 January, 2022

Activists Say Nup to the Perth Cup 
Ten horses killed on WA tracks since October

What: Say Nup to the Perth Cup
When: TODAY Saturday 1 January, 9:30am – 12pm
Where: Ascot Racecourse – Main Entrance, Grandstand Road, Ascot, WA

Perth animal activists will welcome in the New Year by saying Nup to the Perth Cup!

“At least ten horses have been killed due to injuries sustained whilst being used to race on WA tracks since October – six of them at Ascot” said Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) Campaign Director, Elio Celotto. 

“Racing and Wagering Western Australia is spending big money promoting the glitz and glamour of the Perth Cup, meanwile the horses it could not exist without are being treated as a disposable commodity” he said.

All deaths on the track are horrific, and the recent spate of WA deaths are no exception.  Witnesses say seven year old gelding Battle Storm struggled badly over the finish line and was later reported to have a broken pelvis. Boomtastic panicked pre race, dislodged her rider and galloped some distance before sustaining a serious injury jumping the running rail. Grinning Rupert was only two years old and in his second ever race when his hind leg snapped near the finish line. 

“Whilst it is the public saying Nup to the Melbourne Cup that receives the most attention, all horse races are cruel and high risk for horses, including the upcoming Perth Cup” Mr Celotto said. 

Whilst Perth Cup attendees dress up and sip champagne, horses will be beaten with a whip, have their tongues tied, a metal bit placed in their mouth and have spurs jabbed into their sides, as their bodies are pushed well beyond their limits for gambling profits and entertainment.

“If they survive the Perth Cup, for some it may still be the last time they are seen on the racetrack before being sent to the knackery or killed on-farm for not being fast enough” Mr Celotto said. 

Activists will gather opposite the main entrance as they speak out against this vile industry that uses and abuses unwilling participants for their own financial gain.