Dear Editor,
If ever the ethics of Australian horse racing and blind conformity were on world display, it was during the 2025 3,200 metres Melbourne Cup. The winning horse was struck repetitively whilst already trying his best, his tongue was tied tightly around the bottom jaw, the bottom lip appeared swollen, he displayed anxiety with mouth bleeding.
It was a spectacle of absolute heroism on the horse’s behalf and shame on those who caused this animal pain and suffering. Racing Victoria veterinarians simply reported the bloodied mouth due to only a minor laceration requiring no medication however photos and video tend to show otherwise (Figures 1 & 2).
The system itself exposed tainted practices of physical and mental abuse of ‘Half Yours’ and the dubious integrity of Racing Victoria.
We, the undersigned veterinary surgeons understand ‘tongue ties’ are applied with the intention to prevent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) and / or to prevent the tongue displacing over the bit. We also understand this adverse animal welfare practice can cause severe physical and mental harm and has no place in contemporary equestrian sport.
This is not a personal crusade but a legitimate pursuit for the welfare of horses and riders. Debate on the aforementioned issues will not fade soon.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Peter Kerkenezov BM
Dr Victoria Lomax
Dr John McKenna
Dr Sam Beckett
Dr Doug English
Dr Eloise Koelmeyer
Dr Mary Calder
Dr Steve Roberts
Dr Peita Kerkenezov
Dr Adrian Bryant
Dr Bruno Ros
Dr Tim Mather
Leave a Reply