Australia’s biggest horse racing event of the year is fast approaching – putting horses in danger for the sake of gambling profits.
From being subject to painful tongue ties and whips, to being deemed ‘wastage’ and sent to slaughter, horse racing is nothing to celebrate for horses (and the people who love them).
The good news is there are plenty of ways to celebrate compassionately this ‘Melbourne Cup’ day instead.
Join the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) for the traditional peaceful protest on ‘Cup day’ and be a voice for horses outside Flemington Racecourse.
The event is based at the Newmarket Reserve, next to Flemington Racecourse, with music, drinks and picnic set-up starting at 10am. The dress code is smart – whatever would typically be worn to the races – to show people that fashion can be just as fun off the field. Placards and banners are usually provided by the wonderful CPR team.
For more information, head to CPR’s Official Melbourne Cup Protest and Picnic page or the Facebook event here.
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More than 1,500 people joined the official Nup to the Cup party last year, and 2025 is set to be even bigger. This cruelty-free celebration will feature Melbourne’s best vegan food, market stalls, live music, animal charities, and prizes. And of course, it’ll show the nation that kindness is more fun than cruelty!
Hosted by The Vegan Vegout and Woking Amazing food truck, this official event proudly supports our friends at the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR).
12 – 8pm in Northcote, Victoria. Find out more at the Nup to the Cup 2025 (official) Facebook page.
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Not in Victoria? There still might be an event near you!
As more and more people become aware of the sad reality for horses trapped in this industry, the number of Nup to the Cup events being held around Australia is increasing too. Instead of supporting gambling and animal cruelty, these events help raise money for horses through advocacy and rescue.
Check out the Nup to the Cup event listing here for events Australia-wide.
Many workplaces and even schools have sweeps on race day or place bets in other ways. Why not convince your colleagues or mates to put their dollars towards helping animals this year, instead of betting on cruelty?
Participants could pitch in to win a box of animal-friendly treats or another prize, and the remaining funds could go to an animal charity of the winner’s choosing!
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If you love dressing up and want to have a fun day with your friends, without supporting horse racing, what better excuse to throw a party…
Get your mates to bring along their favourite games, wear fabulous (feather-free) hats, clink glasses, and voila… who needs a horse race to have fun together?
If you’d like to do even more for horses, here are other ways you can help them today:
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