For Immediate Release, Thursday 27 October 2022 

Animal Advocates to Protest Derby Day as Attendance Figures Plummet 

When: Saturday 29 October 2022
Time: 10.30am start (media opportunities from 11am)
Where: Flemington Racecourse Main Entrance
 
The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) will be protesting Derby Day on the back of plummeting attendance figures at both the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.
 
Elio Celotto, Campaign Director for CPR said today, “We’ve seen a steady decline in attendance at the Spring Carnival for a number of years now and this year’s figures so far are certainly a sign that people are heeding the call to not attend what is essentially animal cruelty dressed up as entertainment.
 
“On the contrary, we’ve seen unprecedented interest in people wanting to attend and hold their own ‘Nup to the Cup’ events around the country as people continue to want to have a good time but not at the expense of animals”
 
Attendance Figures
 
Caulfield Cup 2019    28000     2022   24289     % drop 13%
Cox Plate 2019           24648     2022   19000     % drop 22%
Source Austadiums.com
 
Aggregate Melbourne Cup Carnival Attendance Figures
Derby Day, Melbourne Cup, Oaks Day & Stakes Day
 
2008  396046    (The year CPR started campaigning)
2019  276186    (last year before Covid-19)
Overall drop of 30% in 11 years
Source https://www.vrc.com.au/racing/track-records-and-attendances/
 
“Nup to the Cup is not just about people getting together and having a good time. It’s about standing as one with all animals and being their voice, when their own is ignored. It’s also an opportunity to raise money for the many charities doing great work around the country that desperately need funding.
 
“If you’re an animal lover, instead of having a punt on a horse that is likely to be killed in a few short years, attend a NTTC event and know that your money is helping animals- not harming them.”