5 ways to celebrate 'Cup Day' (without hurting horses!)

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.

1. Head to the official Nup to the Cup event

Our friends at the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) are hosting their official Nup to the Cup event on November 5. There will be Melbourne’s best vegan small businesses and charities, delicious plant-based food and cocktails, music, and of course, showing the world that kindness is more fun than cruelty!

RSVP at the Facebook event page: Nup to the Cup – Vegan Takeover

Text reads: Nup to the Cup, Vegan Takeover Fundraising Party. An illustration of a purple and blue horse is underneath.

2. Join other horse-friendly festivities

As more and more people are becoming 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 are held to raise money to help horses and animals through advocacy and rescue.

Check out the Nup to the Cup event listing here.

3. Attend the official Melbourne Cup Protest and Picnic

Join CPR for the traditional protest at Flemington Racecourse on ‘Cup day’. 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 will be provided by the wonderful CPR team, but do bring along some drinks of choice and a plate of food to share at the picnic.

For more information head to the Facebook event page: Official Melbourne Cup Protest and Picnic

A large group of people holding signs with messages about protecting horses from racing cruelty.

4. Organise sweeps – just with a kinder twist

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 rest of the raised funds could go to an animal charity of winner’s choosing.

A white horse resting their head on the back of a brown horse.

5. Host a fancy dress and games party

If you love to dress 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?

Thank you for helping shape a kinder future for horses

If you’d like to do even more for horses, here are other ways you can help them today:

Take the pledge to never to bet on horse racing to help end the exploitation of horses bred into the industry.
Share information with friends and family by sending them a link to this page: Understanding the background of horse racing.
Let your network know that you’ll be thinking of the horses this ‘Melbourne Cup’ day by sharing the image below. (Maybe along with an invite to your cruelty-free party?)

Five ways to celebrate ‘Cup Day’ without hurting horses.

Here's how you can celebrate with kindness this November 5, and shape a kinder world for horses.