A racehorse gallops into a children’s playground. It sounds like the set-up of a joke right? But there was absolutely nothing humorous about what took place at the Taranaki Cup on February 6th.

Concert Hall, touted as one of New Zealand’s best racehorses, took fright while being loaded into the starting gates. After dislodging her rider the mare cantered away from the track, ultimately sliding into a perimeter fence, flipping over it and landing on her back. The distressed mare then galloped through a nearby playground, across a busy road and into a park.

Those unfamiliar with horseracing may be surprised to hear that a racehorse considered a ‘superstar’ and ‘hot favourite’ would take flight before the race even began. However, horses being unwilling to enter the starting gates is a surprisingly common occurrence. During the Taranaki Cup alone, there were two other documented instances of horses being ‘fractious in the barrier’, industry terminology for this issue. In fact, it is so common that New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s policy manual includes detailed guidelines around how many attempts may be made to load a distressed or unruly horse into the starting gate, and how long may be spent on such attempts.

While many supporters of horse racing claim that the horses involved actually enjoy racing, the prevalence of this issue clearly proves otherwise. Horses routinely resist being forced into the confined space of a starting gate, as this is something that goes against all their natural instincts. There are numerous documented instances of racehorses suffering injuries while attempting to escape this artificial restraint. So unwilling are many horses, that it is not uncommon for a ‘buggy whip’ to be used on them. For some horses, deeply traumatised by past experiences with such a whip, the mere sight of one being brandished near them will be enough for them to become more manageable. While those involved in the industry will call this ‘training’, what it really is, is the use of force to such an extent that an animal will go against its natural instincts out of fear of violence being used against them. Interestingly, within NZTR’s Starters and Barrier Management Manual there is a policy that explicitly states Trackside shall not show “close up shots of use of the Buggy Whip or of the loading area of the Starting Gates whilst the Buggy Whip is in use.”

Which leads to the obvious question, what is it they don’t want the general public to witness?

When talking to the media after the event, the trainers of Concert Hall emphasised how lucky they were. Concert Hall only sustained mild injuries, suffering bruising and grazed skin off her legs. One of the trainers, Roger James, remarked “It could have been so much worse. The road she crossed had she taken a different turn she would have ended up in the centre of the city and I hate to think what would have happened.”

What reporters neglected to mention in the article, was the fact that this elite racehorse was just as likely to have died on the track that day, participating in the race, as she was off-track in some freak accident. The slightest injury during racing can mean immediate euthanasia for a horse. Only 6 weeks into 2021 there have already been two on-track euthanasias at New Zealand races, last year 12 were recorded, while 2019 saw 19.

Given the incredible stress, both physical and mental, that racehorses are forced to endure, it’s perhaps little wonder that Concert Hall felt compelled to take the action she did. Unfortunately for her, Concert Hall is expected to be returned to racing in a few weeks.

Media coverage on the incident here.

On January 8, the racing industry could not resist gushing over the 100^th race of 10-year-old gelding Our Dexter. An industry article spoke of what a ‘tough’ horse he is and racing.com dedicated several tweets to talking up the big occasion at the Stawell track.

In an industry where the average number of times a horse is raced before being killed or retired for being too slow or injured (to most likely be killed) is just 10 times ⁽¹⁾, and where only 8% of horses have been found to survive its regime for more than four years, reaching 100 races is most certainly a rare achievement.  

Whilst the industry bragged about such a triumph, they failed to mention the many studies that have proven bone fatigue is the leading cause of fatal injury in thoroughbreds.

In a 2013 study ⁽²⁾ funded by RIRDC, the Australian Government and Racing Victoria themselves, it was stated “Up to 70% of Thoroughbred racehorses have bone bruising, or joint surface collapse of the cannon bone and condylar fractures which propagate from this joint surface are the most common cause of fatal breakdown injuries. These injuries are due to bone fatigue, damage that accumulates due to repeated high loading produced by high speed galloping.” The study examined “subchondral bone turnover in the fetlock joint of racehorses both when in full race training and when resting from training” with the aim of “providing information on how to better manage horses to prevent a common injury”. THE most common FATAL injury.

Among other things, the study found:
“prolonged training periods are undesirable for Thoroughbred racehorses as fatigue damage accumulates faster than it can be repaired increasing the risk of joint injury and fracture. Therefore, these horses should be regularly rested from training to allow bone repair.”

and recommended:
“Trainers should be educated to understand that bone within the lower limb joints has a limited fatigue life and that regular rest periods are required to allow repair.”

A later study in 2017 ⁽³⁾, funded by the same three bodies, backed up the findings. More here.

In the 12 months leading up to the Stawell event, Our Dexter had been forced to race a gruelling 19 times. He survived the race, running 10^th of 14.

5-year-old thoroughbred Opposite, was not quite so lucky. Raced 20 times over the 2020 period, he was killed on Boxing Day after suffering “an injury to its near-fore fetlock”

One might ask why the Australian Government, and more recently the Victorian Government, is using tax-payer dollars to fund studies only for the findings and recommendations to be ignored by an industry that seems hell-bent on not only racing horses to death, but also celebrating the process of their demise. If they are going to ignore their own studies, perhaps their funds would be better spent on a retirement program for the 10,000 plus horses vanishing from the industry each year.

1) Profiling the careers of thoroughbred horses in Australia between 2000 – 2010 – Velie, Wade & Hamilton, University of Sydney 2012

2) Bone repair in Thoroughbred racehorses. The effect of training and rest – Whitton, Holmes, Mirams & Mackie, University of Melbourne Equine Centre 2013

3) Prevalence of subchondral bone pathological changes in the distal metacarpi/metatarsi of racing Thoroughbred horses – Hassan, Mirams, Mackie & Whitton, University of Melbourne Equine Centre 2017 

On December 14 it was reported Racing Victoria would conduct a series of whip-free races over the summer period – article here. By December 15 they had pulled the pin after pressure from jockeys’, trainers’ and owners’ – article here.

Racing Victoria claims whip reform is essential to the long-term sustainability of racing, acknowledging the vision of beating horses with a whip is out of step with community expectations. However, they still refuse to admit the obvious, that whips cause the horse pain, even with studies to back this up.

Jockeys, on the other hand, are determined to be able to continue to beat up horses as hard as they can, using safety as an excuse, even though the whip-free races proposed allow them to hold and use the whip for reasons of safety only.

Though we are not opposed to horse racing slowly but surely causing its own demise, the continuation of beating horses with a whip means there will be many years to come where horses will be subjected to additional pain and fear and where injuries from being pushed well beyond their limits will continue to be prevalent and contribute to the high numbers of deaths on track.

Whilst it is unclear who is running the show at Racing Victoria and whether they will succeed in their mission to introduce whip-free races, one thing is certain – the younger generation are seeing horse racing for what it is, blatant animal abuse, and they simply won’t stand for it, as this comment in the racenet article from an old punter makes abundantly clear.

“Problem is rusted on punters like us who have been around and seen most things do not really think twice about it but the next generation, well that is another story. Took my niece to the races a few years ago when she was 13 as she is horse mad but she will not go again because the horses got whipped. Not only that I copped a lecture from he mum about cruelty to animals. That is what racing is looking at from the future generation….We have already seen jumps racing forced out of the Metro area and pretty much out of sight out of mind for a lot of people…….RV are under massive pressure to be seen to be doing something about deaths in the MC when in reality it is most likely plain back luck in the majority of cases. I doubt very much Admire Ratki broke his leg because of the hard track but that is not seen by those on the outside.
At the end of the day racing dies a slow death if the next generation can not warm to it. Harness racing have watered down their whip use to only a wrist flicking motion whilst still holding the reign. No use of the elbow or shoulder and their rules actually state no excessive force to be used.
This is something that will happen even if us old race fans do not seem to have an issue with reasonable whip use.”

You know things are bad on Australian racetracks when you can’t decide whether to highlight that:
1. THREE horses were killed on Queensland tracks in just THREE days
2. THREE horses were killed in just ONE day across Australia’s tracks
3. SIX horses were killed in just THREE days across the country.

Last week in just 3 days of horse racing:

Thurs 12 November: Gatton QLD
Darci’s Money suffered a shoulder injury whilst being raced and was killed. He was old for this industry – age 12 – and had been moved around much of the country to race 76 times since age 2. Three embargoes had been placed on him in recent months then lifted – no details available. His death was supported by race sponsor ‘Agricultural Requirements.’

Friday 13 November: Emerald QLD
5-year-old Tadween suffered a catastrophic injury to both fore legs and was killed. His death was sponsored by Woods Tyre Services – Emerald QLD

Friday 13 November: Canterbury NSW
4-year-old Alrillo was killed after suffering an injury to his near foreleg. An embargo had been lifted just two months prior for being lame in the same leg. His death was sponsored by Cyren Bar & Grill – Harbourside, Sydney

Friday 13 November: Moonee Valley VIC
At just 3-years-old, Fender Bender sustained a “serious racing injury” and was killed on the track. His death was sponsored by The Leighoak Club in Oakleigh, Vic

Saturday 14 November: Home Hill QLD
5-year-old Quezmar was killed as they tried to lead him to the track. He “became fractious prior to entering the parade yard and as result sustained a fracture to the near hind leg“. He had been galloped on during a race earlier this year.

Saturday 14 November: Bathurst NSW
7-year old Turcotte was killed after a leg injury during his barrier trial. Turcotte was previously retired and later an embargo was placed on him pending a vet certificate and successful trial. The vet certificate embargo was lifted the day before the trial which caused his death.

All of these horses valued their lives as much as Anthony Van Dyck but none of them were killed in the Melbourne Cup so their deaths were ignored.

Send a message to racing sponsors that you will no longer support their business so long as they support the abuse, exploitation and killing of these beautiful horses here.

The killing of unwanted racehorses in Australian knackeries and slaughterhouses has now become common knowledge, largely due to the work of brave activists and journalists. However, it is not often, actually it’s unheard of, that industry representatives themselves will admit it takes place, even though they are now scrambling to put measures in place to at least seem to be addressing the issue.

Last week, Tasmania’s General Manager of the Office of Racing Integrity and Director of Racing John King, admitted on ABC Morning Radio that a “significant” number of two, three and four year old racehorses are shot in the head due to simply not being fast enough – referring to the issue as “an unfortunate truth”. Listen to the full interview here.

Could it be that some in the racing industry are finally recognising that blatantly lying about the issue of ‘wastage’ is no longer an option, now that the average person is well aware of what really goes on? As devastating as the truth is, honesty regarding this is a refreshing change.

However, when pressed for details on how large this issue is, Mr King claimed 59 thoroughbreds were killed last year due to “illness and injury”. Is he suddenly trying to make out those who were killed were actually killed on compassionate grounds, in total contradiction to the admission he made just moments earlier? Or, were 59 thoroughbreds indeed killed due to illness and injury, and he is overlooking all the other horses who vanish from Tasmanian Racing each year?

A quick number crunch from the Racing Australia Fact Book stats shows that over the past seven years, on average, 299 horses have vanished from Tasmania’s thoroughbred racing industry every year (or 30.5% of their registered to race horses)  – see table 1 below, baring in mind Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing is one of the smallest of the states and territories.

Mr King himself acknowledged that rehoming racehorses is no easy task stating “the physical realities of rehoming become more difficult with horses to greyhounds” and that although they are working towards a system that encourages participants to make “all reasonable efforts” to rehome the horses they breed into the world, there was no racing or legal requirement for them to do so.

The true numbers of racehorses vanishing from Tasmania Racing every year being overlooked is one issue, but the claim made by Mr King also raises another important question. If 59 Tasmanian thoroughbreds were actually killed due to injury and illness last year, and not simply because they were not fast enough, it is safe to assume the majority of those injuries were caused by racing and/or training. However, as our Deathwatch Report demonstrates, not one horse was recorded as killed on a Tasmanian racetrack from injuries sustained from racing over the past racing year. The racing year prior, only one horse was recorded as killed on track in the Tasmanian stewards’ reports. This reaffirms our assertion that injured horses are being removed from the racetrack and killed behind the scenes, therefore avoiding being recorded as a Deathwatch statistic. Whether intentional or not, we cannot say. What we can say is, as we have long claimed, our findings and commonly cited statistics that one horse is killed from racing related injuries every three days is grossly understated. Our short video demonstrating how easy it is for the industry to cover up deaths from injuries in racing can be viewed here.

  

It took a scientific study to prove an obvious fact that the racing industry has always denied. There is now scientific evidence that whips cause horses pain – available here.

The landmark paper, published yesterday found  “Humans and horses have the equivalent basic anatomic structures to detect pain in the skin.”

The report’s author, Professor Paul McGreevy, stated “We’re saying that although horse skin is thicker overall than human skin, the part of the skin that is thicker does not insulate horses from pain that is generated during a whip strike”. Read the full ABC article on the report here.

In response, The Conversation has published an article outlining a compelling 10 Reasons To Stop Whipping Racehorses.

In 2015, whilst denying whips hurt horses, former Racing Australia CEO Peter McGauran stated that the Australian Racing Board would consider abolishing the whip if science proved it hurt horses. The word ‘consider’ is telling as to whether the industry actually cares if horses suffer pain or not, but in any case, will the ARB now acknowledge the scientific evidence and support an immediate phase out of whips?

Perhaps the most devastating section of the study is the following:

“The role of pain in horse sports is part of the growing debate about what constitutes ethical equitation. In a flight animal, such as the horse, being unable to resolve aversive cutaneous stimulation causes distress. Horses have evolved to run away from such stimuli since the most likely natural cause of such stimulation is contact from a predator. Repeated strikes of the whip in horses that are fatigued as they end a race are likely to be distressing and cause suffering. The horses’ loss of agency is described in the literature as helplessness and repeated, inescapable, treatment of this sort is thought to lead to learned helplessness.”

Beating horses with a whip is just the tip of the iceberg in this cruel and ruthless industry. So long as horse racing persists, banning the whip is the absolute least they can do.

A former industry veterinarian supports activist calls for an immediate inquiry into the handling of Anthony Van Dyck after fatal Melbourne Cup incident.

The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR), along with several animal activist groups and the Animal Justice Party, are calling for an immediate independent investigation into the handling of Anthony Van Dyck after his fetlock snapped in the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday. It is also calling for an independent necropsy report that will be made public, unlike necropsy reports currently conducted by the industry.

Former racing industry veterinarian of 50 years Dr Peter Kerkenezov is highly concerned about the treatment of Anthony Van Dyck, stating yesterday to CPR:

“It is apparent Anthony Van Dyck suffered a race induced catastrophic skeletal injury associated with extreme pain and suffering.  The usual humane response would have been to euthanise the stallion, there and then, on the track, without inflicting any further pain transporting him to a new location.  It is alleged this was not done despite the stallion being “unfit to load”.  It is claimed Anthony Van Dyck was loaded and transported.  The ethical nature of this decision needs investigating as a possible violation of animal welfare”  

Dr Peter Kerkenezov BM
Equine Veterinarian (1971 – 2020)
Wednesday 4th November 2020

Dr Kerkenezov has offered to carry out the independent investigation. His full statement can be read here.

The footage of the race, available here, shows the fetlock bone fracture as is evidenced by the way the hoof flaps in the opposite direction to the normal movement of the hoof.

CPR Campaign Director Elio Celotto said “In instances like this catastrophic injury, the only humane option is to immediately euthanase the horse. The question is, why was the horse loaded onto a float and removed from the racetrack when the prognosis was clearly evident?”

Stewards vision of the race is missing from the industry website and the regular vision has been edited to zoom in on the winning horses, cutting out the shocking vision of Anthony Van Dyck that those watching live saw.

For a close-up on the kind of suffering Anthony Van Dyck would have experienced as his death was delayed, we can look to footage captured of Australian horse, Pure Luck/Voyage King, lasy year in Hong Kong whose hoof was also flapping in the opposite direction.

“The racing industry has again shown they simply cannot be trusted, and it must now explain why Anthony Van Dyck was taken off the racecourse instead of being immediately euthanased” he said

Mr Celotto added “Anthony Van Dyck would have been in excruciating pain. To not euthanase him on the racetrack is just another example of the racing industry seeking to avoid the grim site of a green screen being pulled to hide the death of yet another horse on Melbourne Cup day.”

“This is a trend we are seeing more and more, as horses who are taken off the racetrack to be killed do not need their death recorded in the stewards’ reports, thereby reducing the on-track death statistics. The death of Anthony Van Dyck was reported simply because the eyes of the world were watching and the news could not be hidden, despite attempts to do so” Mr Celotto said. 

This is Wichita.

Irish-born horse, Wichita, was killed at Victoria’s Macedon Lodge on the 23^rd of October after sustaining an injury to his hind leg. He was in rehabilitation for a fracture he suffered in Werribee trackwork. 

In his three years, Wichita had been forced into nine different races that earned his owners over $400,000. This involved being shipped from Ireland to England, France and finally Australia. He was expected to race in the Catalana Stakes at Flemington before receiving his fatal injury.

Further to the death of Wichita, another four race horses were killed on the racetrack within the same one week period, in Victoria alone.

Hadley was killed at Benalla on the 23rd of October after his very first race. Stewards reports simply state the 4 year old gelding had ‘sustained a serious racing injury and was humanely euthanized’. Hadley’s total winning was $0.

Elite Princess was killed at St Arnaud on the 25th of October. Although racings database have the date incorrect and have her death listed on the 29th of October. She was only 5 years old, winning a total of $12,612. 

Super Girl was killed after her race in Bendigo on the 28th of October after suffering a severe injury to her near foreleg.  The mare is still listed as ‘active’ on racings database. She was only 6 years old with a total prize money of $170,335.

6 year old gelding, Involved, was also killed during a track injury which was first reported in the article discussing Wichita’s death on October 23rd. His total winnings were $42,729. It is not required for the industry to list training and track work deaths.

This is one state in one week. 

It is also worth pointing out: Aiden O’Brien was trainer of both Wichita and the most recent Melbourne Cup victim Anthony Van Dyck. He was also the trainer of Cliffsofmoher, who was killed in the 2018 Melbourne Cup. Even still, he stated just hours after this years’ cup death “We’ll always be back, we’re bringing more horses here every year. Eventually they won’t have much room for us if we keep bringing them.”

While the horrific death of Anothony Van Dyck during the Melbourne Cup has caused great upset these traumatic deaths happen, on average, every three days throughout the year.

If you’d like to know ways you can help out more, see 10+1 Ways You Can Help Horses During A Covid-19 Spring Carnival.

Cover image from MAURIZIO CATTELAN exhibition 2013

Ealier today, the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) joined forces with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to protest against the Melbourne Cup. Wearing geometric horse masks we stood outside the gates of Flemington Racecourse carrying signs reading, “Nup to the Cup” and “You Bet They Die” and cracked “horse whips”, shooting blood-red smoke into the sky.  

“A spate of recent controversies has exposed the racing industry’s ruthless slaughter of thousands of unwanted racehorses, and yet, nothing has changed,” says CPR Communications Director Kristin Leigh. “Racehorses are still being sent to slaughter while the industry pretends to have cleaned up its mess.”

A report and documentary recently released by CPR reveals that every year, nearly 5,000 racehorses are killed at one Australian slaughterhouse alone. “With one other slaughterhouse killing horses for human consumption and approximately 30 knackeries, we estimate the number of Thoroughbred racehorses being sent to slaughter each year to be more than 10,000,” Leigh adds.

CPR’s Death Watch reports that between August 2019 and July 2020, 116 horses died on Australian racetracks after sustaining catastrophic injuries or from heart failure. Even more horses are killed away from the track. Horses forced to race commonly suffer from stomach ulcers, internal bleeding from the lungs, and are painfully whipped to the finish line.

“While media coverage glosses over the bleeding lungs, broken bones, and tragic loss of life, horses on Australian racetracks are subject to severe abuse and even death,” says PETA Senior Outreach and Partnerships Manager Emily Rice. “How many more deaths will it take before we call time on this disgraceful demonstration of national senselessness?”

As documented by PETA US in 2019, many horses bred by the Australian racing industry are sold to South Korea, where they’re eventually slaughtered for meat. Since the 1970s, more than 3,000 horses from Australia or who had Australian parents have been killed for their flesh in South Korea. Following the release of this investigation, police in Jeju, South Korea, charged the abattoir where the footage was obtained, along with three of its workers, with killing horses in full view of other horses in violation of the nation’s Animal Protection Act.

Say #NupToTheCup

1.  Say a big Nup to the Cup

a) Join our Virtual Farshuns on the Field ‘Nup to the Cup’ Picnic Protest.

Bringing together two of Melbourne’s favourite past times – fashion and sport, we deliver to you a free alternative to the old ‘Race that stops a nation’, to say ‘NUP TO THE CUP!’ Join us from the comfort of your own personal protest party for an online version of FARSHANS ON THE FIELD! We will livestream direct to your devices from 2-4pm on Cup Day. Coinciding with the actual (disg)race. Livestream will happen via Facebook and Twitch. Details to come.

Hosted by Tenfingerz, Famous Artist Sebastian Berto and Dazza from Bogan Bingo. Featuring:
– live cross to the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses
– interactive fashun races
– “sports”
– fun and frivolity
– absolutely no senseless torture of animalsDetails of fashun racing to come. Stay tuned. Stand by. Keep up to date here.

b) Join our Virtual ‘Nup to the Cup’ Action for Horses

As a statement against animal abuse, please take a photo of yourself wearing your CPR ‘Nup to the Cup’ face mask (available here), or if you prefer, simply hold a sign stating ‘Say Nup to the Cup’ and post it on all of your social media pages at, or as close to 9am as possible, on the morning of the Melbourne Cup.
**Make sure you use the hashtag #NupToTheCup along with any of these optional extras…
#YouBetTheyDie
#HorseRacingKills
#HereForTheHorses
#MelbourneCup

More information here.

c) Run your own Nup to the Cup or join another!

We understand COVID-19 restrictions may limit what you can do this year, but if you are able to do something, even if it is a virtual event, boycotting the sweep, gathering with small groups of like-minded people, or offering special deals from your business, it all makes a statement that you refuse to support animal cruelty. If you are planning something public, registering it with us (here) can help to demonstrate Nup to the Cup as a growing movement and encourage others to join. There are events happening across Australia. Keep an eye out here for updates.

d) Hijack Myer Fashions On Your Front Lawn

The Spring Carnival and Myer want people to believe animal cruelty is stylish, fun and glamorous. We need to hijack ‘Myer Fashions on your Front Lawn’ to help ensure people understand that it is far from it.

Step 1 – get dressed up in your message of truth and take a photo
Step 2 – upload your photo to your instagram and make sure it is set to public
Step 3 – use the hashtag #cupweekfashion followed by the hashtag of the category you are entering, either  #madhatters #cupweekcostumes #familyties or #loungeinstyle
Step 4 – Winners will be announced live on network 10 on Saturday 7 November. No you won’t win this celebration of cruelty. But you will add another win for the horses, by people seeing your photo of truth.You can do this anytime between Saturday 31 October – Thursday 5 November and make as many image posts as you like.

More information in our Facebook event here.

Myer Fashions on your Front Lawn and the various categories here

Good luck!

Watch & Share

2. Knowledge is power.

a) By sharing our just released 38 minute groundbreaking documentary, One Year On, exposing the suffering horses endure before, during and after racing, you can empower others around you to take action and end this cruelty for good. Click here to see our film, read our report and share with everyone you know. Help others see beyond the industry rhetoric and expose the truth to the world.

b) ABCs The Final Race is still available to share online. This powerful investigation blew the lid off the Australian horse racing industry and must be seen.

Take the CPR Pledge

3. Pledge to never bet on or attend the races ever again. When you sign the CPR pledge an email will be sent on your behalf to all racing authorities and government ministers, showing them the decline in support for the industry in real time.

Wear It!

4. Be a walking billboard and advocate for the horses! Show the world you’re saying Nup to the Cup with one of our ethically traded, sustainably manufactured t-shirts. Stickers, hats, keep cups and heaps more awesome merchandise items are also available at our online store. Sales go towards funding our ongoing campaigns.

Protest

5. Attend a rally or protest in your state that is inline with current COVID-19 regulations. Send a loud message to the racing industry from the track side or in a busy public place. We have multiple events listed all across Australia; come along, be seen and most importantly be heard!

Pressure Sponsors

6. Head to our Businesses The Sponsor Horse Abuse page, where you can easily view our list of race sponsors and sign our petition. We will send businesses who sponsor horse racing a message on your behalf that you will no longer support them so long as they support horse abuse. An important part of the horse racing industry’s survival is sponsorship, Help us show the sponsors that the community says NO to animal cruelty. Note: our sponsors list is a work in progress so please check back regularly for the companies you should no longer support.

Share the Truth with Horse Racing Supporters

7. CPR has produced many documents and videos detailing and exposing the truth behind the facade. Please click on the below links and share them via emails and social media.
Report – 10 Reasons Why You Should Not Support Horse Racing
Report – Deathwatch Report 2020
Report – The Slaughter of Thoroughbreds and Standbreds in Australia
Video – Deathwatch 2020 Video Tribute
Video – Horse Racing Hides Deaths
Video – Cruel Transport of Horses in Australia
Video – Why CPR Exists
Plus many other videos on our Youtube channel

Drive It!

8. You’re walking the walk in your awesome new Nup to the Cup t-shirt, why not also drive the talk! Just as t-shirts are an effective means of advocacy so too are our vehicles. Order a stencil or bumper sticker for your car, watch the tutorial in the link below and make your car into a moving billboard just like you!

Donate

9. Donate to one of the many reputable rescues rehabilitating horses in Australia, or to CPR so we can continue our ongoing campaigns, lobbying and investigations. You can make a one off donation or monthly contributions; everything is helpful!

Volunteer

10. Consider donating your time. The racing industry is massive, and we need as many of you volunteering with us to ensure the interests of racehorses are effectively represented and the industry is held to account. There are a variety of roles and tasks that are suited to everyone!

Never Be Silent

11. Speak up, speak out and be heard. Every conversation is an opportunity to change hearts and minds. Read through this website for all the stats and facts, and become an informed advocate for the animals.

A first-hand account from a Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses investigator and a rescuer.

This is the story of Georgia and Brian, but it could be a story about almost any ex-racehorse.

======================

Investigator:

In December 2005, the Laverton Knackery in Melbourne was under investigation. Not by authorities, but by animal activists who had learned of the plight that faced most racehorses after they had outlived their useful purpose in the racing industry.

I visited the knackery several times a week, trying to piece together why so many horses – especially racehorses – were waiting to be killed for dog meat.

One day, a striking mare appeared in the kill pens. She was almost entirely black with a white star. She may have just arrived from one of the recent horse auctions or perhaps she had come directly from a trainer.

I entered the pen to film the horses. She soon introduced herself and demanded a pat, to which I obliged.  But I had a job to do. As I moved from horse to horse, noting brands and filming through a keyhole camera sewn into my jacket, I noticed she was shadowing me. Every time I turned she was right there. She wasn’t content with just one pat. Then I noticed she was being shadowed by a much bigger bay. These two horses were to become known as Georgia and Brian.

This continued until I left the pen. Her eyes followed me for as long as I was in her sight. Her big bay stood right beside her. Emotions were welling up inside me. But, as an investigator, it is important to focus on the job at hand and not be distracted.

Over the next six visits, I became good friends with Georgia. As soon as she saw me, she would make her presence felt and demand my attention. She was a welcome distraction from the hell hole that this place was for horses and humans. With each visit, I dreaded the thought that it might be the last time I saw her and Brian.

I decided I had to do something. I registered my interest with the knackery owner and told him I would buy Georgia. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a place for her to stay.  So, I contacted Pam Ahern from Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary and told her the story. Without a second thought, she agreed to collect Georgia the very next day.

Now, in the words of Pam Ahern herself, the story continues.

To me, horses are the true embodiment of strength, majesty, nobility and freedom. They have always been close to my heart. So, it was with nervous trepidation that, after receiving that fateful phone call, I arrived at the knackery and lowered the tailgate of the trailer that was to carry Georgia to a new life.

My own nostrils filled with the same putrid stench of death that had no doubt been assaulting Georgia for the days she had languished at this house of horrors. It was a stench that I was soon to find would take days to eradicate. Alas, the memories of what was to follow will haunt me forever.

Walking to the pen where my friend was waiting with his beauty, my gaze was distracted by the pile of dismembered bodies to my right. The sight of those once magnificent creatures reduced to a pile of broken bones and flesh made my blood run cold. Repelled by this horror, I looked to my left and saw those who were next. My heart sank and I whispered: “How could we do this?”

Georgia, as if recognizing that her saviour had arrived, stood patiently by the gate that held her one step from redemption. But there was another who also caught my gaze. A large bay gelding was shepherding her closely. Prising the gate open just far enough for Georgia to slip through, we were surprised when she refused to oblige. Turning constantly to her buddy, she pulled the lead and me along with it, in his direction.

“Come on Georgia,” we coaxed, “you are going to a far, far better place than this.” Reluctantly she followed our lead and walked through the gate. However, her friend became frantic at the impending prospect of their separation. Brian raced up and down the fence line, calling out to his departing friend. Tugging at the lead, and at our heartstrings, Georgia was slowly coaxed into the trailer, all the while returning the calls of the friend she quite rightly thought she would never see again.

With a heavy heart and a newfound disgust for those who so callously desert these intelligent and sensitive creatures – at the moment when they need them the most – I made the trek home. If only the people who were responsible for these animals could witness their unconscionable end. Would they betray them so easily? I pondered.

That night, I awoke repeatedly in cold sweats. The sight of the big bay horse’s head on that pile of bodies stared blankly back at me.

At daybreak I made the call to my friend, “Do you think the big bay horse is still alive?” His feverish reply told me our hearts and heads were in sync. “I’ll make the call,” he told me. Nervously I waited. “Yes, he’s still there, but not for long. I’ll meet you there.” And the phone rang off.

In double time, I moved until I was soon watching the pitiful sight of the frantic yet still majestic bay fellow’s nostrils flaring over and over. He belted out a chilling neigh then listened for the reply which did not come. For a horse we knew so little about – a strong and robust fellow, sound of mind and limb, and not too old – one had to wonder why he had ended up in such a terrible place.

Obliging, brave and trusting would now be added to his list of charms as he walked into the small, confined trailer. All the while my heart pounded so loudly that I thought it would surely scare him. The dear boy.

Just an hour later, the horse I had named ‘Brian’ on the journey had a new home and the most unexpected surprise he could ever imagine. Arriving at his destination, Brian did what many a horse does when checking out his new place to call home. Neighing the equine equivalent of, “Hey where am I?” he looked from left to right.

And then, from the back of the sanctuary, an all too familiar whinny rang out in reply. It was his Georgia. Lifting me clear off the ground, the gentle Brian became a man on a mission as he proudly carried his head high and trotted in the most elevated, proud and purposeful steps to his beloved. And as their nostrils touched, my tears flowed.

This will always be one of my most vivid memories of true happiness, joy and yes, love. If only the world could have seen this moment, there would be no doubt that horses truly experience this most sincere and deepest of emotions.

And since that very moment they have never been apart. Never that was until the day that sadly, Georgia sustained a horrific break in her stifle; the result of a freak paddock accident. A veterinarian was quickly summoned and the prognosis, grim.

Armed with the knowledge that while horses are stoic their bones are not and that death is not the worst option, but that a life of uncontrollable pain and suffering is, we did the only decent, honourable and humane thing. We honoured the pledge we make to every animal who enters our sanctuary gates and that is: “we shall give you a life truly worth living and when we cannot, we shall help you pass from this world to the next”.

Georgia loved carrots and welcomed pats. She relished sleeping stretched out in the sun and grazing peacefully beside her buddy, Brian. People often asked if we were ever going to ride Georgia or Brian, but the answer was a simple, “No”. There was nothing they ever had to do for us.

It is abundantly clear from watching animals like Georgia and Brian that they live, love and lose cherished ones in just the same way we do. What we were to witness next was the purest form of grief.

Standing vigilant by injured Georgia’s side, Brian refused to budge until his beloved was laid to rest. Rearing up in anguish, he became distraught, calling out to Georgia. A call this time she would never return.

Georgia was indeed the love of his life and it was because of her love, all those years ago, that he was given a second chance of life. His palpable devotion and love for her that we witnessed all those years ago was indeed the sole reason he still walked upon this Earth. But now she was no more.

That she was Brian’s special someone there is no doubt – but she was also ours.

This year’s Spring Carnival is upon us. With the football codes having their finals throughout October this year due to COVID-19, it has provided significant distraction from the races, though Racing Victoria still likes reminding us that they are ‘here for the horses’. We still don’t know if any crowds will be allowed at the racecourses but one thing is for sure and that is that horses will be made to race, be whipped and pushed well beyond their physical limits. So, if horse racing continues, then so must we. We’ll be doing all we can to speak out for the horses through these difficult times and hope that you will join us. In this Newsletter:

• CPR’s Spring Racing Carnival plans
• What you can do to help horses this Spring Carnival
• Peter V’landys vs ABC court case update
• CPR’s soon to be released documentary ‘One Year On’

OUR SPRING RACING CARNIVAL PLANS  
 Despite restrictions, we’re excited about the many ways you can still take part in saying ‘Nup to the Cup’ this year and be a voice for the horses. With a year like no other, we’re planning a Melbourne Cup like no other. 

The Virtual ‘Nup to the Cup’ Picnic

We are very happy to announce we will again be joining forces with our ‘Nup to the Cup’ partner, Tenfingerz, for an online extravaganza that will have all the fun of our regular picnic. We’re still working out the details but there will be music, dancing, human races and live crosses. If you would like to participate in the activities, simply watch on and be entertained by them, or perhaps even conduct your own human race, please keep an eye out for how to register here.

To keep up to date with our Virtual ‘Nup to the Cup’ Picnic, follow the event on Facebook, or check back to our website regularly here. If you have fun ideas for races, send us an email here.

The Virtual ‘Nup to the Cup’ Action for Horses

We may not be able to host our usual ‘in real life’ picnic and protest this year, but we can still protest the cruel Melbourne Cup from wherever else we may be on this day.

As a statement against animal abuse, please take a photo of yourself wearing your CPR ‘Nup to the Cup’ face mask (available here), or if you prefer, simply hold a sign stating ‘Say Nup to the Cup’ and post it on all of your social media pages at, or as close to 9am as possible, on the morning of the Melbourne Cup.**Make sure you use the hashtag #NupToTheCup along with any of these optional extras…
#YouBetTheyDie
#HorseRacingKills
#HereForTheHorses
#MelbourneCup
To more details and to keep up to date with our Virtual ‘Nup to the Cup Action for Horses’, follow the event on Facebook, or check back to our website regularly here.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Watch and share these short videos

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For other previous and soon to be released videos, please check and subscribe to our YouTube channel here.

 The following two videos will serve as a reminder why even if ignoring the  cruelty, there’s nothing glamorous about horse racing.

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Here’s a re-cap from our last e-newsletter covering all the other ways you can still help horses through a COVID-19 Spring Racing Carnival.

Know someone who still supports horse racing?  

’10 Reasons Why You Should Not Support Horse Racing’ is an easy to read, concise document which highlights the cruel standard practices of horse racing.Please email, message and share it both broadly and ideally also directly with anyone you believe is unaware of exactly what it is they are supporting. You can read, share and download ’10 Reasons Why You Should Not Support Horse Racing’ here.

Just released! 2020 Collector’s T-shirts

We’ve also just released our brand new Collector’s Item Limited Edition ‘Nup to the Cup 2020’ t-shirts. This eye-catching design by Melbourne artist Sebastian Berto, represents the horse as they should be. Specifically created as part of our campaign against the 2020 Spring Carnival season, the artwork compliments our 2020 Farshuns on the Field – Nup to the Cup theme. Available here. 

Melboure Cup Sweep
It’s a long running (but slowly dying) tradition to have a Melbourne Cup Sweep in the workplace, community group or local pub on Melbourne Cup Day. However, there’s a new tradition that’s emerging and that’s to say “Nup to the Cup”. It can be an awkward moment for some, especially if you are the only one in your group who objects to it, but please remember you are not alone – you are joining the countless others across the country who are refusing to take part in cruelty, even under social pressure. 
We suggest you do the following:

• Download and print one of our posters and display it wherever you can to get the message across – available here.
• Wear your CPR merchandise everywhere you go – available here.
• Politely refuse to watch or partake in any Melbourne Cup celebrations and if possible join other likeminded individuals as a sign of respect for the horses.
• If you are in the company of others who agree, hold an alternative celebration.
• Donate the money that you would have otherwise spent on a sweep to an animal charity of your choosing.
• If you are having an alternative celebration, try to make sure it respects all animals, not just horses by making it vegan.
• Perhaps, as an alternative to watching the Melbourne Cup, you could invite people to watch the ABC investigation “The Final Race’ that aired in October 2019 here and the more recently released investigative documentary by the Animal Welfare Foundation Tierschutzbund Zurich here.
• Join our Virtual ‘Nup to the Cup’ Farshuns on the Field picnic. Stay tuned for updates here.
• Join our Virtual ‘Nup to the Cup’ Action for Horses. Details here.

Peter V’landys vs ABC defamation case update
As previously reported, Peter V’landys is suing the ABC for defamation over 7:30’s The Final Race – watch here. The court case was heard on the 23rd and 24th September however due to delays and prolonged questioning from both sides, another two days have been set aside to re-commence on the 14th October. It was interesting to note that Mr V’landys acknowledged it was good that the program exposed animal cruelty, yet he still maintains that he has not yet watched it. Read more here.

One Year On – a CPR documentary
We will soon be releasing a documentary that looks deeper into what happened at the Meramist slaughterhouse in QLD and what, if anything, has changed in the last 12 months in the treatment of discarded/retired racehorses. The documentary will also delve into other cruel standard industry practices. Keep an eye out on our website, Facebook page or YouTube channel for its release.  Once again, thank you for your ongoing support for the horses used and abused by the racing industry.

Remember… speak up, always!

Image by Dayaal