02/11/2026
8 reasons why I say Nup to the Cup. Who’s interests are we protecting the humans or the horses??
This isn’t about attacking people who work in racing or pretending nothing has improved. Veterinary screening is more stringent, there is greater attention on catastrophic injuries, and many people within the industry genuinely care about their horses.
But animal welfare requires us to look beyond intention.
We have to look at the experience of the animal.
Horses are exposed to the physical demands of high-speed racing, serious injuries can still occur, whips are still used as performance aids, and some horses begin racing at just two years old.
Then there is the much larger system around the race itself.
Thousands of Thoroughbreds are bred for racing. Some never race, some have very short careers, and questions remain about what happens to horses once they leave the industry.
But for me, the issue goes deeper than racing injuries.
Horses are sentient, highly social animals with behavioural needs of their own. They need movement, companionship, grazing, rest and opportunities to behave like horses.
And this is where human–animal relationships become important.
When we use animals for entertainment, sport, profit or tradition, we need to keep asking:
Whose interests are being prioritised?
The owner?
The gambler?
The industry?
The spectator?
Or the animal?
The Melbourne Cup has existed since 1861, but longevity is not, by itself, an ethical justification.
Our understanding of animal sentience, behaviour and welfare has evolved enormously.
I believe our relationship with animals should evolve with it.
You don’t have to hate people involved in racing to question racing.
You don’t have to deny improvements to ask whether we can do better.
For me, animal welfare begins when we stop asking only what animals can do for us — and start asking what life feels like for them.
That is why I say Nup to the Cup.
