#nuptothecup

This is the first year in my adult life I won’t be participating in the Melbourne Cup. In my late teens living in Melbourne I was one of the drunk girls at the races then when I started DJing I made money working at racing events. I never questioned the billion dollar industry behind all the booze, gambling wins, fascinators and fun times but the glamorous day that stops the nation is actually built on a lot of cruelty and genocide.

The last event I DJed at a racecourse I saw it this way. Wasted people around me while horses were being walked and whipped along-side up to the gates I could see how terrified the the loud noises and crowds were making them. I'm not judging anyone who goes, works at or drinks at the races, I did for many years even winning money gambling. I'm writing this to raise awareness and gently encourage people question for themselves, if it's something you've been ok with but maybe aren't anymore and if you are ok with it power to you. No bad can come from awareness. I just wish I had questioned it earlier.

The harsh training and exertion of the races leads a large proportion of horses to bleed into their lungs and windpipes. The injuries race horses indure is horrendous. When horses can’t be used for racing anymore the long distance transport to slaughter for human consumption or pet meat is not well monitored or regulated. The recent ABC's 7.30 program broadcast footage of the bloody horse-slaughter industry and animal cruelty at the facility.

The social, celebratory and getting dressed up aspects of the races I love but how great would it be to evolve that into something else? So Tuesday the 5th of November I'll be peacefully protesting by not participating in the Melbourne Cup 💘 #nuptothecup