Dear Supporter,

In this newsletter:

• AVA supports a ban on whips, FINALLY!
• New research by CPR exposes 92% of racehorse owners lose the lot 
• Behind the barriers with CPR Aotearoa
• Perth Cup fatality
• Satono Rasen – the value of a life
• The Gracemere horse sales
• Racing – their own judge and jury
• He suffered! Rest in peace Shadow Prey
• Past and Upcoming Protests

AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY ASSOCIATION UPDATES POLICY ON WHIPS

Will racing listen?

In mid-2020, CPR reviewed the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) policies on the welfare of horses used in racing. We were quick to express our disappointment at the position taken by the AVA in regard to many standard industry practices and towards horse racing in general. We requested a meeting with their policy council to discuss ways in which the AVA policies could be brought into line with current animal welfare science and community expectations.

Our request was denied, however, we were encouraged to make a submission. Whist we have serious concerns with many of the AVA’s policies, we decided to focus our submission (available here) on proposing they update their policy titled ‘Use of whips on horses at competitive events’.

Within we refer to several peer-reviewed studies and our own research which demonstrates whips harm horses, that they do not aid in improved ‘performance’, nor do they improve jockey safety.

We requested “the AVA review their current policy and deem the use of whips on horses in racing as unacceptable” and in conclusion stated “CPR is of the position that so long as horse racing persists, horses should be able to run without fear inducing and pain inflicting implements, allowing them to slow down if they need to. That means ending the use of whips, spurs, tongue ties and cruel bits- all designed to make the horses comply through learned helplessness techniques.”

At the time, the AVA policy on the use of whips in racing stated that further research needed to be done to address inconsistencies as to whether whip use aids in horse performance and jockey control. It also acknowledged that whips act as negative reinforcement and therefore their use should be limited.

Over two years later, we are happy to finally report the AVA has now updated this policy to recommend the racing industry ban the use of whips for ‘encouragement’. Read the new policy in full here.

Most notably, new recommendations 1, 4 and 5 state:

1. Currently, racing codes mandate their definition of correct whip use and associated penalties for misuse, based on the activities of the horse and likely proximity to other horses and people. Racing codes must work towards a framework where whip use for encouragement is not condoned (International Society for Equitation Science. 2018).

4. Other factors in each equestrian code that could be modified to improve rider and horse welfare and safety should also continue to be investigated. A broader understanding of the numerous factors that can affect horse behaviour can lead to further improvements that may  reduce the perceived need for whip carriage.

5. Racing and equestrian industries should undertake education of their participants into effective training methods that minimise the use of training aids that intentionally cause discomfort, pain or fear to promote behavioural change.

Will the racing industry finally take action and listen to the advice of the AVA, or will they continue to allow brutal public beatings of horses in the name of gambling profits and entertainment.

Help to #ditchthewhip by demanding Racing NSW and Peter V’landys stop blocking a ban here.

Coverage on the updated policy by The Guardian here.

IT AIN’T MAGIC, IT’S TRAGIC   

CPR conducted an investigation into the profitability of horses sold at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sales. 

Despite the racing industry’s promotion of buying a racehorse to make money, the results from this study suggest the opposite to be the case. Even the name of the particular sale being studied, ‘The Magic Millions’ suggests that investing in a racehorse is extremely lucrative, yet less than 8% of horses actually made a profit. 
We attended all five days of the Magic Millions sales in January and educated attendees not only on what a bad investment buying a racehorse is, but on the cruelty they are subjected to in investor pursuit of profits. Read the full report here.

BEHIND THE BARRIERS IN AOTEAROA 

Our Aotearoa NZ team, alongside Taranaki Animal Save, have been doing a fantastic job documenting and exposing the cruelty that takes place to get horses to enter the barriers before each race.

A video of just some of what they have witnessed can be viewed here.  

The abuse doesn’t stop at the horses, with our team subjected to vile verbal insults from track staff. Watch here.

We are so grateful to everyone who continues to speak up for the horses, especially when faced with insults, threats and abuse. 

PERTH CUP FATALITY   

Whilst CPR protested outside the Perth Cup at Ascot on New Years Day, our chants that ‘horse racing kills‘ were again proven true. Inside the track two horses collided, the cup race was called off mid-way, the green screen was brought out and five year old mare Chilli Is Hot was killed. 

Media reported “The mood at Western Australia’s highest-profile horse racing event quickly turned sombre as news filtered through that Chili is Hot was euthanised on the track.”

Still, with the usual disrespect, the running of the Perth Cup was rescheduled to two weeks later. 

CPR teamed up with PETA Australia and ensured a strong presence outside the rerun with gravestones displaying not only the name of the 2023 Perth Cup victim, but names of the other eight horses who have lost their lives at the Ascot track alone in just over one year. View our tribute to them here.  

Huge thanks to our team in WA for being there and ensuring our message for the horses hit the media.

“When you have these large public events and people can see what happens, the industry can’t sweep it under the rug,” said CPR spokesperson Emma Madle.
“There was another horse that died at Belmont two days after Chili Is Hot, but it was during training, so no one heard about it.

“A horse dies every 2.5 days, you just don’t hear about it unless it’s a high-profile event.”

Read the full ABC article here.

THE VALUE OF A LIFE       

Satono Rasen is a stunning thoroughbred gelding who was born in Japan on 13th March 2012. He was first raced as a two year old in 2014 at Sapporo Racecourse in Japan. Twenty more races and the equivalent of almost AUD $2.2 million later he was transported to Australia. Under Chris Waller, the extraordinary results he had in Japan were not replicated. By December 2022 he was at the sales and passed in for a measly $200. Meanwhile racing offers breeding incentives and no caps on the numbers that can be bred, knowing countless horses are unloved and unwanted.

Read our full article on Satono Rasen here.

BRED, USED, DISCARDED   

The Gracemere sale has the dubious reputation of being known as a “dogger sale” with little to no promotion of the unfortunate horses who find themselves there. If the meat traders/dealers who frequent that sale think that they can make more money by keeping the horses alive and reselling them, often at the following Laidley sale they will do so. If they are worth more as “meat” then that will be their fate. The thoroughbreds purchased usually fall into the meat category.

The last horse sale of 2022 was held at Gracemere on the 17th December 2022. We are very pleased that there were finally people there posting the brands of, and identifying, the thoroughbreds and standardbreds at Gracemere in the hope that it helped them find a private home and if nothing else at least the horses didn’t go unnoticed and unnamed. People cared enough to put their faces in the public domain. We would like to thank those people for their efforts.

There were seven thoroughbreds and one standardbred who had the misfortune of being at that sale. You can read their stories here. 

RACING ARE THEIR OWN JUDGE AND JURY

On the morning of January 6, 2023, a Victorian stablehand punched and kicked four year old mare Lilly Grace in the stomach before attempting to strike her on the head. Lilly Grace reared and fell over backwards in the stalls, causing injury that “necessitated veterinary care.”

The stablehand was charged internally with an offence under the rules of racing for engaging in conduct that is “prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity, or welfare of racing.” He was fined $1000 and is allowed to continue to work with horses in the industry.

He was not prosecuted for animal cruelty by either of the two bodies that have the power to prosecute in Victoria for such an offence – the police or the RSPCA. It is unlikely that they would be aware of the incident and highly unlikely they would take action even if they were. Racing has no obligation to report animal abuse (cruelty beyond the daily standard) to the relevant authorities and the relevant authorities have no obligation to prosecute.

As another example of many, a Tasmanian stablehand was not prosecuted for animal cruelty either and remains part of the industry.

HE SUFFERED!

WARNING – Graphic details.

In September 2020, Breednet reported on the then two year old, Shadow Prey, as “one to watch” with “derby potential” after he placed first at Ballarat.

No more wins were to come over the following year and on 23 January 2022 he finished lame after being raced at the Geelong track. By April 21, 2022, the beautiful grey gelding was dead.

An investigation by Racing Victoria into the horses death found:

“On 21 April 2022, at approximately 9am, the Horse was recumbent and displaying signs consistent with Colic.

On 21 April 2022, from approximately 9am to 6pm, the Racing Victoria registered stablehand and owner of the horse failed to take reasonable steps as were necessary to alleviate any pain being inflicted upon and/or suffered by the Horse.

On 21 April 2022, at approximately 6pm, the Horse continued to display signs consistent with Colic and was, by this stage, in severe pain, at which time the owner euthanised the Horse in an inhumane manner.”

CPR has been informed that the inhumane manner in which Shadow Prey was killed was alledgedly by cutting his throat whilst fully conscious.

Internal charges have been issued and will be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date to be fixed.

Once again, our understanding is that neither of the two bodies that have the power to prosecute for animal cruelty in Victoria – the police or the RSPCA, have conducted their own investigation nor have plans to prosecute. They may not have even been informed of the incident. 

Take the pledge to never bet on or attend a horse race here.

PAST AND UPCOMING PROTESTS   

Sending our love and thanks to all who attended our recent protests at Doomben Races – Brisbane QLD, Magic Millions – Gold Coast QLD, Perth Cup – WA and Wellington Cup – Aotearoa NZ. Your presence was powerful! Click on the images for more pics and info from those protests.

Protest: Nup to the Launceston Cup
February 22, 2023
Mowbray Racecourse, Launceston TAS
10am – 1pm
Dress: Smart casual at a minimum. Dress as if you are going to the races is even better.
Banners and posters will be provided.
More details here.

Protest: Nup to the Adelaide Cup
Monday 13 March 2023
10am – 1pm
Morphettville Racecourse, SA
Dress: Smart casual at a minimum. Dress as if you are going to the races is even better.
Banners and posters will be provided.
More details here.

Protest: The Championships (Sydney)
Details TBC

Thank you for reading and remember… speak up, always! 

The Gracemere sale has the dubious reputation of being known as a “dogger sale” with little to no promotion of the unfortunate horses who find themselves there. If the meat traders/dealers who frequent that sale think that they can make more money by keeping the horses alive and reselling them, often at the following Laidley sale they will do so. If they are worth more as “meat” then that will be their fate. The thoroughbreds purchased usually fall into the meat category.

The last horse sale of 2022 was held at Gracemere on the 17th December 2022. We are very pleased that there were finally people there posting the brands of, and identifying, the thoroughbreds and standardbreds at Gracemere in the hope that it helped them find a private home and if nothing else at least the horses didn’t go unnoticed and unnamed. People cared enough to put their faces in the public domain. We would like to thank those people for their efforts.

There were seven thoroughbreds and one standardbred who had the misfortune of being at that sale. They were:

Robert’s Gift (pictured) – won $10,450, last raced on 23/10/2012 yet still listed on Racing Australia as “Active” at the time of the sale. We have no idea where he has been for the last 10 years but was in very poor condition at the sale. His fate at the sale is unknown.

Unnamed (AUS) 2015 – bay gelding by I Am Invincible from Western Passage, one of the many thoroughbreds not to make it to the track. Also appeared to be in very poor condition. His fate at the sale is unknown.

Boncoeur – 19yo gelding who last raced in 2010 and won $133,765 which was still not enough to guarantee him a safe future. He also appeared to be in very poor condition. His fate at the sale is unknown.

Danah’s World – an unraced mare who, at the time of the sale was listed on Racing Australia as “Breeder”. She had one named foal in 2017 and was dropped from official records in the studbook in 2021. A beautiful mare in good condition but still discarded at a “dogger sale” with her fate at the sale unknown.

Miss Van Wisse (NZ) – last raced in 2016, her whereabouts since unknown. Her fate at the sale is also unknown.

Oh He Will Go – raced 17 times for 2 wins, 2 places and $16,700 in prize money. Last raced 2013, appeared to be in good condition yet still discarded at Gracemere and it was stated he sold to a “dogger”.

Gelding “Pen 203” – The stud brand for this horse was the “Nolan” brand but the top drop numbers were hard to read so he remained unidentified. Whoever he was, the sale was not kind to him and it was stated that “he did not find a good home” so presumably went to a “dogger”.

The only standardbred was “Unnamed S4050229”, she also bore the brand 31 on her near shoulder, she was in good condition, and it is believed she had been used as an embryo recipient mare. Her fate is again unknown.

These horses deserved so much better. Every horse at that sale did.

Take the pledge to never bet on or attend a horse race again here.

Demand a lifelong, effective, National Horse Traceability Register here.

Satono Rasen is a stunning thoroughbred gelding who was born in Japan on 13th March 2012. He was first raced as a two year old in 2014 at Sapporo Racecourse in Japan. Twenty more races and the equivalent of almost AUD $2.2 million later he was transported to Australia. Under Chris Waller, the extraordinary results he had in Japan were not replicated. Sixteen starts over 2.5 years, with the best results for his connections being two seconds and three fourth placings, before he was last raced on 12th September 2020.

While no abnormalities were found, maybe Satono Rasen’s body had just had enough. While his connections winnings in Australia were a decent $100,000, it was nothing compared to the winnings in Japan. Racing Australia have his total earnings as AUD $2,287,451, an amount of money even the most sceptical would think would guarantee a horse a safe post racing life.

Whilst it seems as though he is cared for, registered as “Monsieur” with Equestrian Victoria, he has already had at least two owners since he finished racing. He was then listed in the Andrew Wilson sale that ended on 16th December 2022 as Lot 116 and known as “Toasty”. His vendor in this sale cared enough to put a healthy reserve of $5000 on him, but to list a horse in any sale and have no control over who buys them is fraught with risk. He was passed in for a measly $200 – that’s all he was worth to anyone. Meanwhile racing offers breeding incentives and no caps on the numbers that can be bred, knowing countless horses are unloved and unwanted.

We hope that someone realises Satono Rasen’s true value, not in the dollar value sense, but for more than an “it” or the horse that “blundered around the home turn” or was “a beaten horse”, as the industry had reported him to be. We hope that he finds horse friends and his lifelong human partner who cares for him as their equine friend. He deserves that. They all deserve that.

Will racing listen?

In mid-2020, CPR reviewed the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) policies on the welfare of horses used in racing. We were quick to express our disappointment at the position taken by the AVA in regard to many standard industry practices and towards horse racing in general. We requested a meeting with their policy council to discuss ways in which the AVA policies could be brought into line with current animal welfare science and community expectations.

Our request was denied, however, we were encouraged to make a submission. Whist we have serious concerns with many of the AVA’s policies, we decided to focus our submission (available here) on proposing they update their policy titled ‘Use of whips on horses at competitive events’.

Within we refer to several peer-reviewed studies and our own research which demonstrates whips harm horses, that they do not aid in improved ‘performance’, nor do they improve jockey safety.

We requested “the AVA review their current policy and deem the use of whips on horses in racing as unacceptable” and in conclusion stated “CPR is of the position that so long as horse racing persists, horses should be able to run without fear inducing and pain inflicting implements, allowing them to slow down if they need to. That means ending the use of whips, spurs, tongue ties and cruel bits- all designed to make the horses comply through learned helplessness techniques.”

At the time, the AVA policy on the use of whips in racing stated that further research needed to be done to address inconsistencies as to whether whip use aids in horse performance and jockey control. It also acknowledged that whips act as negative reinforcement and therefore their use should be limited.

Over two years later, we are happy to finally report the AVA has now updated this policy to recommend the racing industry ban the use of whips for ‘encouragement’. Read the new policy in full here.

Most notably, new recommendations 1, 4 and 5 state:

1. Currently, racing codes mandate their definition of correct whip use and associated penalties for misuse, based on the activities of the horse and likely proximity to other horses and people. Racing codes must work towards a framework where whip use for encouragement is not condoned (International Society for Equitation Science. 2018).

4. Other factors in each equestrian code that could be modified to improve rider and horse welfare and safety should also continue to be investigated. A broader understanding of the numerous factors that can affect horse behaviour can lead to further improvements that may  reduce the perceived need for whip carriage.

5. Racing and equestrian industries should undertake education of their participants into effective training methods that minimise the use of training aids that intentionally cause discomfort, pain or fear to promote behavioural change.

Will the racing industry finally take action and listen to the advice of the AVA, or will they continue to allow brutal public beatings of horses in the name of gambling profits and entertainment.

Help to #ditchthewhip by demanding Racing NSW and Peter V’landys stop blocking a ban here.

Coverage on the updated policy by The Guardian here.

Dear Supporter, 

On behalf of the team at the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses, we send our deepest gratitude for your support and engagement over 2022. With your help we’ve maintained a huge amount of pressure on the racing industry and seen at least some positive changes for the horses involved.
We’ve continued to expose the atrocities and systemic cruelty inherent to horse racing through consistent reporting on the day to day cruelty and the more extreme cases of abuse that occur.
We reached a huge new audience from across the board due to our first ever Nup to the Cup advertising campaign and launched a brand new website dedicated solely to Nup to the Cup – check it out here.
Our Deathwatch 2022 Report ensured we cut through the industry claims that horse deaths on track are being addressed by presenting detailed and factual information to the media and public that aside from the Melbourne Cup efforts, this is certainly not the case. Available here.
After twelve long years of hard campaigning, we won our campaign to end jumps racing in South Australia. The so-called sport is now not only discontinued by Racing SA but was later made illegal through a successful Greens amendment to the Animal Welfare Act. This fantastic achievement leaves Victoria as the last bastion to continue this horrific cruelty. Learn more and sign the petition to end jumps racing in Victoria here.
Last year our continued pressure on businesses resulted in some major brands removing their support of horse racing, including David Jones and AAMI. This year there has been a notable increase in the number of races being left without any sponsors at all.
Our report co-signed by nine other individuals and animal protection organisations exposing the failings of the promised National Horse Traceability Working Group and its associated campaign, placed significant pressure on the Working Group and Agriculture Victoria. Whilst the recommendations put forward by the Working Group are unacceptable (more here), they do show promise for a more efficient and lifelong traceability register to be created in the future. The recommendations are yet to be adopted so our campaign directed at each states agriculture department continues. Read our report and take action here. 
Our consistent horse sale investigations have provided us with the details to produce several reports exposing the continued cycle of breed, use and discard adopted by racing. This has also supported efforts as to why an effective, lifelong traceability register is essential to not only biosecurity but human safety and horse welfare. Various reports can be found on our news page here. A summary of the entire year of public horse sales will be published in early 2023. 
We have major plans in the making for 2023 but before we sign off for another year, below is an update of some recent events in racing since our last e-news that we’d like to bring to your attention. 

In this newsletter:

• Weir faces court over torturing animals
• Triangle sales prove racing has no idea or concern where horses go 
• Steward attempts to hide illegal horse abuse
• Electric shock devices in rodeos
• Damning slaughterhouse report released
• Private buyers don’t guarantee good outcomes
   

WEIR AVOIDS CRIMINAL CONVICTION 

On December 16, 2022, the Warrnambool Magistrates Court viewed 15 minutes of many hours of footage showing Weir and co-accused TORTURING horses with an electric shock device (aka a jigger).

The original charges included cocaine and firearm possession, engaging in conduct that corrupts a betting outcome, conspiracy to defraud Stewards, and animal cruelty offences which were:

“three counts of engaging in the torturing, abusing, overworking and terrifying of a thoroughbred race horse, and three counts of causing unreasonable pain or suffering to a race horse.”

Not only were the conspiracy charges dropped against Weir and co as we reported last month (here), the plea deal appears to have also seen the word “torturing” removed from the charges. The drug and firearm charges were dismissed.

From the ABC article:

“These horses weren’t training at an optimal level and [Weir] thought it might help,” Ian Hill QC said.

“He’s not a person who is cruel by nature.”

In sentencing, Magistrate Franz Johann Holzer fined Weir and McLean $36,000 each for the three counts of animal abuse.

Kermond avoided the fine but must donate $10,000 to the RSPCA, which he must pay by June 30, 2023.

All avoided a conviction.

Full article here.

TRIANGLE SALES PROVE RACING HAS NO IDEA OR CONCERN WHERE HORSES GO    

Our review of recent horse sales exposes the continued failings of the racing industry to protect its horses.

Since May of this year, forty-three thoroughbreds were listed in the online QLD Triangle Sale – four of whom were return listings within that period.

For the full article which includes many stories of the horses this industry continues to fail click here.

STEWARDS ATTEMPT TO HIDE ILLEGAL HORSE ABUSE    

Background: Photographs of QLD jockey Ric McMahon holding a jigger next to now eight-year-old gelding Hemmerle’s neck in trackwork on August 30 2022 were shared on Twitter before being promptly removed by the racing photographer herself, Sharon Chapman. Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) stewards launched an investigation the following morning and both McMahon and the horses trainer Todd Austin were immediately suspended – more here.

18 Nov, 2022 – Stewards inquiry commences with McMahon accusing trainer Todd Austin of handing him the jigger to use on Hammerle’s neck whilst stating he is a lazy horse and a “liven up” may help him in the race. The jockey claimed he’d “never come across a jigger in his life” and, whilst he admits he held it that day, he never turned it on as he was “too scared to use it”. Austin’s lawyer worked to discredit McMahon, presenting a long rap sheet of McMahon being dishonest with stewards in the past, including tampering with a urine sample, something the jockey did not deny.

21 Nov, 2022 – In the separate criminal investigation, Ric McMahon received a $5000 fine and a criminal conviction by the Mount Isa Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to one count of possessing the jigger (a prohibited thing) at a licensed venue. Magistrate Eoin Mac Giolla Ri said, “Racing in general is about winning money … vast amounts of money are exchanged.”

28 Nov, 2022 – back to the stewards inquiry, Austin’s lawyers claim McMahon is “broke” and unable to fund his legal defence, then go on to imply it is being funded by local bookmaker Graham Saunders – something Saunders denied – more here.

According to the ABC, the inquiry heard Saunders sent jockey Ric McMahon a message the morning after the incident — after he was sent the photo by multiple friends — advising the jockey to “get ahead of it” because “no-one will stick by you”.

Also, senior steward Rion Hitchener told the inquiry he had instructed the racing photographer Sharon Chapman to remove the photos from Twitter as soon as he was made aware of them, in an attempt to protect the image of racing. More here.

One can only imagine how often stewards turn a blind-eye or engage in cover ups to protect the image of racing – their primary concern.

The QRIC inquiry continues, as does the brutal abuse of horses used by the racing industry.

TAKE ACTION FOR HORSES IN RODEOS   

When the evidence came out regarding jigger use in the story above, QRIC were quick to take action, suspending two racing participants, and even conducting their own inquiry which is ongoing. There was also widespread media attention.

Animal Liberation Queensland has provided video evidence of electric prods and jiggers in the chutes with eleven horses at Queensland rodeos, yet no one has been charged with an offence.

The only difference between a horse at a racetrack and a horse at a rodeo is the location – so why such a varied approach from two different QLD government departments?

No more double standards. Please support the ALQ campaign by demanding better here.

DAMNING SLAUGHTERHOUSE REPORT RELEASED   

On September 15, 2022, Senator Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, released an 8,000 page report that supposedly covers all animal welfare incidents documented by On Plant Veterinarians (OPVs) and/or senior management at Australian red meat export abattoirs, between 1st January 2020 and 31st December 2021.

We are appalled by the suffering of ALL the animals in Senator Watt’s report, suffering which could have and should have been avoidable in most cases, and ultimately, suffering that is all entirely unnecessary.

Read our very succinct summary here.

PRIVATE BUYERS DON’T GUARANTEE GOOD OUTCOMES   

A few months rarely pass without there being another uproar regarding horses once used and abused by the racing industry being dumped at the sales. Kind hearts, charities and rescues come together from all over to do what they can with extremely limited resources to try to save them and other breeds from the dreaded ‘doggers’.

When a private buyer outbids them, everyone breathes a sigh of relief, including the struggling sanctuaries who then don’t have to take on yet another discarded horse from this multi-billion dollar industry, or feel the guilt that they were unable. Many of the public then believing the horse to now be safe and loved, forever.

But is that always the case? No one is vetted at the sales. It is literally an auction and the highest bidder takes them home as easily as they could a car, whom they can essentially treat as they please.

Read on here.

UPCOMING PROTESTS   

Protest: Nup to the Perth Cup
January 1 2023
Ascot Racecourse, Perth WA
9am – 12pm
Dress: Smart casual at a minimum. Dress as if you are going to the races is even better.
Banners and posters will be provided.
More details here.

Campaign Against the Magic Millions

Protest and Educational Outreach at the Magic Millions Sales
Tuesday 10 January 2023 – Friday 13 January 2023
Magic Millions Sales Complex, Bundall
Times listed on the Facebook event here.
RSVP to [email protected] essential
Protest at the Magic Millions Race Day
Saturday 14 January 2023
10:30am – 1:30pm
Gold Coast Turf Club, Bundall
Dress: Smart casual at a minimum. Dress as if you are going to the races is even better.
Banners and posters will be provided.
More details here.

Thank you for reading and remember… speak up, always! 

Article feature image: Bessie – Brightside Farm Sanctuary

In 2016, approximately forty thoroughbred horses were discovered to be malnourished and close to death on a property in Bulla, Victoria. At the time, the RSPCA were contacted but reportedly didn’t act on the complaint. Many of those horses eventually died, adding to the remains of the countless others who had died prior, before action was finally taken due to the persistence of locals.

Extensive and devastating media coverage garnered the support of many, including Racing Victoria who then stepped up and got involved, as did Horse Shepherd Equine Sanctuary who provided the remaining surviving twenty-three horses with the chance of a better life.

Thank you to all involved including the racing industry participants and Racing Victoria who apparently footed the bill for their initial care (as they should). Perhaps they were trying to make up for the fact that they were aware of the neglect horses suffered at the hands of this trainer many years earlier.

Racing Victoria coverage of the Bulla horses here.

Our coverage on them at the time here.

Though Racing Victoria’s coverage of the Bulla horses is a positive story for many, the problem of wastage remains.

While the racing industry continues to preach the importance of animal welfare, why are they not being transparent about the numbers of re-homed racehorses? It’s okay to spin a positive story and, no doubt, this is a positive one for the Bulla survivors, but not if it’s being used to suggest that this problem has now been taken care of. That’s called propaganda.

Every year approximately 13,000 horses are born into the racing industry and about the same number leave – made up of breeding mares, retiring racehorses and even racehorses that have never raced, including foals. Wastage in horse racing will always remain a problem until the racing industry can account for every single horse they breed, whether they win a million dollars or never even make it to the racetrack.

It’s time to move on from the Bulla horses and focus on the many thousands that are still today largely unaccounted for.

NB: CPR has contacted Racing Australia and all the states principal authorities on several occasions asking about their rehoming programs and, in particular, the number of horses rescued, yet they fail to provide us with any details whatsoever. So much for being open and transparent.

Act now! Find out about the National Horse Traceability Register and take action here. This will send an automated email directly to those who are supposed to be implementing an effective lifelong register but are not doing so. It’s set to fail unless we act now! You can also go the extra mile and write directly to your federal member of parliament demanding that every horse in the country be registered on a sophisticated and effective database so that they can be traced for life, and owners made accountable for their care.

On the 15^th September 2022, Senator Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, released an 8,000 page report that supposedly covers all animal welfare incidents documented by On Plant Veterinarians (OPVs) and/or senior management at Australian red meat export abattoirs, between 1^st January 2020 and 31st December 2021.

We must commence our very succinct summary of this report by making it entirely clear that we do not believe, by any means, that there is a way to humanely take the life of someone who does not want to die, aside from true and compassionate euthanasia. But this position should not prevent us from highlighting the realities of  the animal slaughter system, a system that consumers are repeatedly lied to about when told animals do not suffer on their way to or at the slaughterhouse. The suffering is a given and applies to every single individual who is forced aboard a slaughterhouse truck. However, this report focuses on the more extreme incidents at export abattoirs and only those that were reported.

Of the 631 individual reports generated, which involved 4,083 animals, 64 were not published due to being under investigation.

There were seven reports published that involved horses (which must be from Meramist slaughterhouse in Caboolture, seeing it’s the only abattoir slaughtering horses). We believe that, whether intentionally or unintentionally, not all incident reports were supplied to Senator Watt – at least not all equine related incidents. The seven reported horse incidents all occurred in the first half of 2020. It seems highly unlikely that there would be seven incidents in six months and then none in the next eighteen months. In fact, we have proof of one incident that occurred in February 2021, this report was not included. One of the reported incidents involved a horse with a leg injury yet the accompanying photos showed a horse with head injuries. The written report for the horse with head injuries was not included. How many more incident reports were not included?

Anyone who happened to see ABC 7:30’s ‘The Final Race’ back in 2019 knows exactly what takes place at the Meramist slaughterhouse. To claim there were only seven equine related animal welfare incidents (beyond what we know to be the standard horrific suffering for every animal who enters that or any other slaughterhouse facility), is, to us, a ludicrous finding.

We also noted that the seventh equine related incident in 2020 was the tenth overall incident for that facility, so seven out of ten reported incidents were horse related. That indicates, that horses are more likely to be injured during transport than bovine, for example.

Of the seven horse reports that were published, none of the horses were identifiable from their photos as all brands were either obscured or not shown in photos. We can say though that –

• two horses had shoulder brands so were most likely thoroughbreds
• one more horse was listed as a thoroughbred
• one more horse was listed as a thoroughbred type
• one horse was listed as a standardbred
• one horse was listed as a brumby
• one is unknown with no breed named and no photos.

The meat industry appears to be patting itself on the back because the incident rate is a small percentage of the 70 million “red meat” animals slaughtered in Australia in two years just for the export market. This is unacceptable. Most of the 4,083 animals that were the subject of these reports suffered horrifically and while some incidents did come from accidents, most were as the result of the abject neglect and indifference of the farmers, the people the industry repeatedly professes care about the animals. Instead, they had allowed them to suffer in excruciating pain before sending them to slaughter. There were some horrifying incidents that involved transporters intentionally inflicting pain on animals and/or being indifferent to the pain the animals were suffering and lastly, abattoir workers putting themselves before the suffering animals and at least one animal that was bled out while still very much conscious. Studies indicate the true figure of such a death would be far greater.

It is obvious that our focus is on horses used in racing, but we are appalled by the suffering of ALL the animals in Senator Watt’s report, suffering which could have and should have been avoidable in the majority of cases, and ultimately, suffering that is all entirely unnecessary.

A few months rarely pass without there being another uproar regarding horses once used and abused by the racing industry being dumped at the sales. Kind hearts, charities and rescues come together from all over to do what they can with extremely limited resources to try to save them and other breeds from the dreaded ‘doggers’.

When a private buyer outbids them, everyone breathes a sigh of relief, including the struggling sanctuaries who then don’t have to take on yet another discarded horse from this multi-billion dollar industry, or feel the guilt that they were unable. Many of the public then believing the horse to now be safe and loved, forever.

But is that always the case? No one is vetted at the sales. It is literally an auction and the highest bidder takes them home as easily as they could a car, with whom they can essentially treat as they please.

This was highlighted just last weekend at the notorious Laidley Sales in Queensland. We now know there to have been at least seven thoroughbreds, (along with several standardbreds and many other equine types) at this sale. However, the only thoroughbred to have been identified as the sale commenced was five year old Brave Nick – still listed as ‘active’ by the authority and last raced less than one month ago. Our original post about him https://bit.ly/3GimMiq He was purchased by a private buyer who rides horses in bronc rodeos, chases down and terrifies brumby foals – taking them from their herds, and does ‘cattle’ droving.

Another potential outcome from private buyers we so often see is they are back at the sales at risk again within a few months for various reasons but often due to the buyer having no reliable history as to the condition/behaviour of the horse. Or, they are left to languish at the back of a property somewhere – suffer neglect, malnutrition and often a slow, excruciating death.

It’s unclear how Brave Nick will be used and one could of course argue that this is a better outcome than death, but the point must be made that even if the ‘doggers’ were eradicated from these sales, a huge industry still operates – from the breeders, to the owners, the trainers, and the authority itself, on the premise that the majority of horses will be discarding once they’re done with them (on average under three years), without a care as to where they will end up. They negate themselves of the lifelong responsibility they should take for forcing a life into the world.

Racing Victoria’s answer to this is to kill them on farm under their new ‘On-site Euthanasia Program’. It helps to avoid PR nightmares, as they know there simply are not enough good private homes and sanctuaries with the capacity to take on the approximately 10,000 thoroughbreds (nation-wide) exiting the industry each year – very often injured, and mentally and emotionally damaged. That is without accounting for the foals bred who never make it to the track at all.

Racing NSW answer to this is a ban on horse slaughter by the industry participants themselves, but once they’re moved on to a new home it’s a free for all.

Racing QLD’s answer (and the other states) is essentially nothing at all aside from offering support to those who want to find ‘second careers’ for their horses and some promotion on life after racing.

All programs offer zero transparency.

The industry is not willing to foot the bill, or even put measures in place to keep it at a sustainable size that would be capable of ensuring lifelong good homes. That’s not part of the business model.

Three actions you can take right now to help are:

1. Demand an effective lifelong national horse traceability registerhttps://horseracingkills.com/nhtr/

2. Take the pledge to never bet on or attend a horse race again https://bit.ly/3g70lCc

3. Share this article

We are now aware of three other identities of the seven thoroughbreds known to have been at this sale.

Nineteen year old mare, Diamond Supre, purchased from a meat buyer post sale by a reputable sanctuary. She is listed as retired and has not been raced since 2009 after receiving a 3 month ban for suffering exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage in trackwork. We do not know where she has been these past thirteen years or how she has been treated.

Another is seventeen year old mare One More Shot – listed as retired and not raced since 2010. She was then registered for breeding before dropping from the record in 2014. We’re not sure of her sale outcome.

Dear Supporter

In this newsletter:

• Dismal Spring Carnival Attendance
• Inside the Track
• Outside the Track
• Dinosaur Dash Cup Eve Action
• Protests Run from East to West Coast
• Succesful Nup to the Cup Launch
• Ambivalence Against Horse Racing
• Fashion Standing with Horses
• Fascinature Lapel Pins and Head Pieces Still Available

DISMAL ATTENDANCES AND RECORD-LOW TV RATINGS SHOW THE SPRING CARNIVAL HAS RUN ITS RACE 
Plummeting track attendances, poor TV ratings and a celebrity drought at this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival have revealed an inconvenient truth for the racing industry: horse racing is out of fashion with celebrities and the community alike who will no longer turn a blind eye to the death toll and cruelty.

The sharp decline in crowds at Flemington saw only 45,000 attend Oaks Day, which once surpassed Melbourne Cup day itself in attendances and was spruiked as the carnival’s day of fashion. This was a significant drop from the pre-Covid 2019 crowd of 57,296 and the lowest Oaks Day attendance since 1986. Overall, there’s been a drop in attendance of around 10% to all the major race days in Melbourne since the Caulfield Cup.

The Melbourne Cup is now a cruel reminder to the public of the eight racehorses that died at the event over the past decade. The public also now knows of the horrific fate that lies ahead for many racehorses who are injured or not deemed profitable and will be prematurely killed out of expediency. No major celebrity in 2022 wants to align themselves with animal cruelty and that is what the horse racing industry now represents.

While the racing industry might attempt to blame the weather for this year’s dismal crowds, the Melbourne Cup’s television ratings also nosedived this year drawing the lowest viewership since records began 20 years ago.

A Lonergan Research poll commissioned by the Greens found that 59 per cent surveyed thought horse racing was cruel while 54 per cent believed horses should not be raced for gambling and entertainment.

Despite governments and the racing industry continuing to prop up the Melbourne Cup while ignoring the industry’s death toll of at least 139 horses killed on track over the past year, (see Deathwatch 2022) the event has lost its social licence with the community and a growing number of celebrities who are publicly expressing their opposition to horse racing.

The dearth of international celebrities at this year’s carnival shows they no longer wish to risk any backlash from being associated with an event mired by animal cruelty and death. This trend follows pop star Taylor Swift’s cancellation of her scheduled performance at the Melbourne Cup in 2019 after social media criticism.
 
During this year’s Melbourne Cup Day, the #NupToTheCup hashtag was one of the top trending topics on Twitter with thousands condemning the industry’s animal welfare record while talkback radio was swamped with callers asking why the event is still run.
 
Radio host Abie Chatfield reportedly turned down a significant appearance fee to attend the races and chastised other celebrities for attending the event on social media (more here).

TV host and singer David Campbell and writer Phillip Adams were also among the diversity of voices saying “Nup To The Cup” on social media.
 
The huge success of Nup To The Cup events across Australia has shown that Australians can still celebrate on the day without having to condone a so-called sport that kills animals,
 
The racing industry has tried to overturn growing opposition by introducing some token safety measures for the big Spring Carnival races only, but it doesn’t go anywhere near fixing the cruelty of racing or addressing the massive numbers of horses killed every year just because they no longer bring in profits for their connections.
 
At least one horse on average continues to die on Australian racetracks every 2.5 days.

INSIDE THE TRACK    

Watching those Melbourne Cup leading horses taking a brutal beating as people cheered was quite the sickening display! But the moment those most concerned held their breath was seeing Interpretation quickly drop back from the field.

SUMMARY – if you trust the reports:
Three horses were *found to have bled from the lungs (EIPH).
**Heresy bled so badly it came through both of her nostrils and that wasn’t the first time.
Noonday Gun pulled up lame.
Three horses were ‘over’ whipped.
Three jockeys were found to have engaged in careless riding.

But the attention was drawn almost entirely to four year old Interpretation, who failed to finish in the Cup.

Born in Ireland, the stallion was moved to Australia in December last year. After his fourth race in this country, being the recent Geelong Cup, he was found to be lame in the near-fore leg and embargoed for eight days before being given the all clear just three days prior to the Melbourne Cup.

Yet, he was then found to be showing signs of lameness in both his off-hind and near-fore leg but was cleared for the big race at the 11th hour, vets stating the lameness had improved. His trainers claimed a nail in the wrong place was causing the issue.

Post failing to finish the race, his jockey was reported to have stated “He’s not right, that horse.” Yet Racing Victoria vets claim the horse is completely fine and his trainers have put the horse failing to finish the race down to a breathing issue likely caused by heart fibrillation (which apparently is of no concern to them).

Whilst this may be true and it would not change the fact that horse racing is a barbaric industry, it would be nice if there was some independent oversight so people could actually believe what is reported by Racing Victoria officials and it’s participants. But after years of cover-ups and blatant lies which still continue, it is impossible to really know what’s what, particularly on this day when the eyes of the world are watching and essentially expecting another horse to die – that’s the current odds.

The jockeys who forgot how to count to five were:

Damien Lane, whipping Lindemann seven times before the 100m free for all beating. He received a $700 fine and short suspension. His winnings for the day were at least $4,165. He was also “severely reprimanded” for careless riding.

Damien Thornton, whipping Realm of Flowers nine times before the 100m free for all beating. He was fined $4,000. His winnings for the day were at least $17,875.

Daniel Moor, whipping Daqiansweet Junior nine times before the 100m free for all beating. He received a $2000 fine and short suspension. His winnings for the day were at least $8,150.

Patrick Moloney’s “high level” careless riding in the Cup where he made at least $55,000 received a $20,000 fine and short suspension.

Blake Shinn’s “mid-level” careless riding landed him no fine and a short suspension. His total winnings for the day were at least $17,825.

*almost all horses bleed from the lungs when being raced to varying degrees.
**unknown horse pictured

OUTSIDE THE TRACK    

Nup to the Cup private parties, public events, workplace activities, luncheons and more took place across the country. Each year we see more individuals, organisations and businesses getting on board. Whether they come to this important movement initially out of concern for the horses, gambling harm, increased domestic violence or economic disparity (something the impacts of the floodwall could not have made any clearer), all help to educate on the other associated issues. 

Our own original Nup to the Cup / Farshans on the Field event opposite the Melbourne Cup Carnival of Cruelty was a bit hectic, but rain, hail, gale force winds and bitterly cold temperatures couldn’t keep some of you away. Huge love and thanks to all those who braved the extreme weather to join us. You truly deserve a NupCup trophy. It is in these moments that we bond even closer in our mutual desire and dedication towards our long term goal of ending horse racing cruelty. If you didn’t brave the weather, no judgement – it was challenging that’s for sure.

Extra special thanks Tenfingerz and artist Sebastian Berto of Farshans on the Field, and to all the CPR volunteers for their help in the lead up to and on the day. You are all AMAZING. And to our satellite team in New Zealand for running their CPRNZ protest in Auckland.

MASSIVE love and gratitude also to the genrous businesses, individuals and organisations who ran fundraisers for us at CPR and other animal organisation. Also HUGE thanks to those who donated funds to our campaign efforts and/or food to our own Nup to the Cup event and raffle. Red Sparrow Pizza, Serotonin Eatery, Vegan Perfection, Goodwill Wine, Vegan Style, Wombat Cafe, Vegan Grocery Store, Transformative Therapy, Mt Nebo Railway Carriage and Chalet, Bunnings Warehouse, Natio Australia, Melbourne Hunt Saboteurs, Goje, Brother Bon, Woking Amazing, Terry Daktyl, Teveton Centre, Free The Hounds, Little Oak Sanctuary, Free Spirits Farm Sanctuary, Canine Cup, Seeds of Life, Vegie Tribe, The Owl and Pussy Cat, Union Kiosk, Project Fresh Start, Shift Eatery The V Spot and the many workplaces who hosted private inhouse events. 
 

To anyone around the country who ran their own #NuptotheCup event, no matter how big or small, please don’t forget to upload your images here for us all to see. 

DINOSAUR DASH CUP EVE ACTION   
On the eve of the Melbourne Cup, dinosaurs converged on Flemington as PETA and CPR teamed up to stage a t-rex race. 

Running (and sometimes stumbling) toward a giant banner that read “Finish The Cruel, Prehistoric Melbourne Cup Now”, activists donned inflatable Tyrannosaurus rex costumes and carried signs reading: “Horse Racing Is Prehistoric”. The entertaining event was fun, but the message was serious: cruel and archaic horse racing should be relegated to pre-history. 

The stunt attracted wide-spread media, including this SBS article. 

Check out our video of the race here.

PROTESTS AGAINST HORSE RACING RUN FROM EAST TO WEST COAST   
Commencing with the Caulfield Cup, CPR continued our protests outside Derby Day, the Melbourne Cup Eve Parade, and on Cup Day itself outside Flemington VIC, Ascot WA, and Eagle Farm QLD (alongside Animal Liberation QLD, Brisbane Animal Save and Coast to Coast Animal Friends). ALSA also gathered outside Morphettville, SA.

The Melbourne Cup Eve parade was a dismal affair that we very successfully disrupted. All other protests were effective in ensuring all attendees knew exactly what it was they were about to support. The shame was evident on many faces before they even entered the gates.

Thank you to all the groups and individuals who came together to ensure we made our voices heard for the horses.

A SUCCESSFUL NUP TO THE CUP LAUNCH 

The event to launch our Nup to the Cup campaign for 2022 was a huge success. We were thrilled to see so many friendly faces, some familiar and some new.

We launched our brand new Nup to the Cup song, viewed the artwork of our collaborator Anthony Breslin (available here), ate delicious food and danced the night away with DJ Shimmy Barnes. Huge love and thanks to everyone who came along, to the wonderful venue staff at The Gertrude Hotel, the DJ and band, our volunteers and artist Anthony Breslin, all who collectively ensured we kicked of this years extra special #nuptothecup campaign with a BANG!  For more images of a night well spent, click here.

AMBIVALENCE TOWARDS HORSE RACING 

“In recent years, though, the meaning of the race has changed in people’s minds. It’s become controversial, associated with things people don’t want to be associated with, like animal cruelty, gambling problems and wealth disparity.”

In case you missed it! Click on the article below.

FASHION STANDING WITH HORSES   

We are very proud to join our friends at Collective Fashion Justice in their Fashion Standing With Horses campaign to move fashion beyond cruelty.
 

TAKE ACTION in two EASY steps 
 

1. Head to their website here and fill in your details to send a pre-made (or personalised) email to MYER, a fashion department store and primary sponsor of the Melbourne Cup.

2. Share the campaign with your friends via email and socials.


 

FASCINATURE LAPEL PINS AND HEAD PIECES STILL AVAILABLE 

Whilst our Nup to the Cup events may be over for this year, Fascinature lapel pin and head pieces can of course be worn for any occasion. 

We’d like to send our deepest gratitude to Janet Mills for creating this beautful concept and hand-making all wearable protest and remembrance pieces, dedicated to each of the recently fallen on Melbourne Cup Day.  

Fascinature head pieces available here.

Fascinature Lapel Pins available here.
 

Featured: The Cliffsofmoher Lapel Pin #3
The Cliffsofmoher was killed in the 2018 Melbourne Cup. He suffered a broken shoulder directly in front of the crowd where he was euthanised behind the green screen. He was born in Ireland and was raced between there and England fifteen times before being moved to Australia for the Spring Carnival where his third race was his last. Being the seventh horse to die at the Cup in seven years, his death marked what we observed to be a huge shift in public sentiment towards horse racing. He was four years old

Featured: Anthony Van Dyck #4 head piece
Anthony Van Dyck was also born in Ireland and raced in the big money spinners across Ireland, England, America and Hong Kong before being transported to Australia in 2020 – his owners chasing a Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup win. In the Melbourne Cup he suffered a fractured fetlock that was clearly catastrophic by the way his hoof flapped in the opposite direction, yet his suffering was delayed to remove him from the course before euthanasia in what CPR believes to be an attempt to avoid further bad PR for the country’s biggest race. An equine vet of 50 years provided a statement to CPR in which he said “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 euthanase 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”. He was four years old.

Thank you for reading and remember… speak up, always! 

CPR relies 100% on donations to fund our investigations and campaigns. Without the generosity of our supporters we would not exist.

Thank you to all of our supporters who have donated recently. It is much appreciated and allows us to continue working towards justice for horses.
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