For Immediate Release, Thursday 6 May, 2022

Protest Against Racing’s Cruelest Carnival: 14 deaths in 17 years at the Bool May Carnival

What: Protest at the Warrnambool May Carnival
When: Thursday 6 May 2022 – media opportunities from 12pm 
Where: Warrnambool Racing Club, Main Entrance – Grafton Road, Warrnambool, Vic

The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) are joining forces with the Animal Justice Party (AJP) Victoria and their elected member Andy Meddick in protest outside racing’s cruelest carnival to demand Victoria – the only state to still support cruel jumps races – to ban them once and for all.  

11-year-old Fulmineus was killed at last years event, making him the 14th horse to have been killed in jumps races at the Bool May Carnival alone in the past 17 years. 

We’ve already seen horror scenes at this years event with 10 year old Valac falling heavily over the second last hurdle in Tuesday’s steeplechase. He was unable to get himself up until assisted by track staff. We still hold grave concerns for his wellbeing. 

Watch the fall here. 
Available for download, edited and unedited here.

Quotes attributable to Andy Meddick MP of the Animal Justice Party

“It is deeply disappointing and distressing to me that the home of jumps racing is in my own electorate. The Warrnambool racecourse is the deadliest track in the country. It is nothing for our state to be proud of.”
 
“Jumps racing is a disgrace and a stain on so-called progressive Victoria. Every year, horses continue to pay the ultimate price with their life for the entertainment of a dwindling few.”
 
“Instead of being known as the home of cruelty for hosting high profile jumps races, Warrnambool could be a booming jobs centre in equine welfare and rehabilitation which is good for animals, local jobseekers and the economy.”

Quotes attributable to Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses Campaign Director Elio Celotto

“Since 2005, jumps racing has killed at least 31 horses at the Warrnambool track alone, of which 14 lost their lives in this brutal May Carnival” 

“Statistically, a horse is more likely to be killed each year at this event than not. Yet for the people of Warrnambool and surrounds, this is a public holiday – a celebration in the name of animal abuse”.

“Racing South Australia ended hosting jumps racing last year, making Victoria the only state left in Australia to continue this barbaric practice. It is a great shame on this state that we force horses over obstacles at high speeds knowing there is a high chance they will crash and be injured and killed in the name of gambling profits and entertainment”. 

“Many horses who seemingly survive are never heard from again, with 47% of horses used in jumps races not returning to any kind of racing the following year.”

ENDS

For More information: horseracingkills.com