For Immediate Release, Saturday 28 January, 2023

Red Smoke Bombs and Hard Hitting Messages Greet Cup Punters

Today, racegoers arriving at the Wellington Cup were meet with hard hitting messages and red smoke to resemble the blood of horses spilt on and off the racetrack.

More images available here.

Among the messages, members from the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) held the long list of horses who lost their lives in just one year on New Zealand racetracks. 

Quotes attributable to CPR NZ spokesperson Fran Elizabeth:

“Party goers could not avoid our truth bombs and smoke bombs as they entered the track today. 

“The public arrive looking for a good time but it’s no party for the animals. Horses are bleeding deep in the lungs, having heart attacks and suffering from fractures, all in the name of gambling profits and entertainment. Our powerful demonstration helped to ensure racegoers were told the truth – something the industry does its best to hide.

“Shame could be seen on some faces, as red smoke filled the air next to our sign which read ‘In memory of all the horses that have bled on the racetrack’; because horse racing is a blood sport.

“We once celebrated gladiators killing each other in the stadium which was considered a completely normal pass time, but now we look back on with disgust. One day we will view abusing animals in the name of ‘entertainment’ in the same way.”


Some facts from NZ this year: 

Deaths: 13 (that were on track and that we know of) 
Records of ‘excessive’ Whip Use: 415 
Horses that were fractious (showed signs of stress and agitation so badly it was noted): 253
Total Injuries this year: 282 
Serious Injuries: 107
Horses that were recorded to have bled from their lungs (EIPH) so badly it was noted: 40