Ariarne Titmus’ defiant call after Melbourne Cup backlash

Ariarne Titmus has made a defiant comment after coming under fire for her head-turning appearance at the Melbourne Cup.

Ariarne Titmus has made a defiant appearance at the Melbourne Cup after coming under fire over the weekend.

The Olympic golden girl stole the show inside the famous Flemington Birdcage on Tuesday morning — a bold statement in the face of a backlash that has surrounded her involvement in the 164th running of The Race That Stops The Nation.

The four-time Olympic gold-medal winner will carry the 18-carat gold trophy into the mounting yard ahead of the race on Tuesday afternoon.

However, that role has been criticised by the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) movement.

The CPR organisation commented on Titmus’ Facebook page by writing: “If you truly love horses we ask that you please reconsider your ambassador role for the Cup.

“Please open your eyes to what’s really going on behind the scenes of the racing industry - we assure you, the suffering and exploitation of racehorses is nothing you want to be associated with #NuptotheCup #horseracingkills.”

Ariarne Titmus and Jess Fox. Photo: Channel 9.

Nup to the Cup campaign director Elio Celotto also publicly criticised her.

“We’re very disappointed Ariarne Titmus is their ambassador but I guess they had to find someone,” Celotto told Yahoo Sport.

“We’re almost at the point where there’s no excuse for not knowing.

“I am absolutely 100 per cent sure that when Ariarne Titmus and others have signed their contracts, they are fully aware of the backlash they may get.

“All you can hope is that she might gain an insight into what happens in horse racing and she won’t support it in the future.”

Ariarne Titmus OAM, NCA. Lexus Melbourne Cup Day Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Jason Edwards

Titmus showed no sign of buckling to her detractors when appearing on Channel 9 on Tuesday.

She even made the shock call that the big moment will be similar to her appearances standing on the podium during Olympic medal ceremonies.

“I love watching the horses in action. Bringing the Lexus Melbourne Cup into the mounting yard is going to be unreal,” she said.

“I did it a couple of years ago and to be asked to do it for the second time, it is pinch yourself stuff. Looking at the whole crowd - it will be up there with being on the podium at the Olympics.”

She earlier told Aussie kayak superstar Jess Fox: “Walking the Lexus Melbourne Cup to the mounting yard before the race will be a highlight for me and I love watching the racing.

“I’m so excited to seeing the horse action, meeting people you usually wouldn’t cross paths with, hanging out with you and having a good day.”

Titmus and Fox turned heads in their matching red ensembles.

The swimmer opted for an off the shoulder mini-dress with an eye-catching ruffle that draped across her shoulders.

She matched it with nude heels and a silver handbag to complete her Cup Day look.

Originally published as Ariarne Titmus’ defiant call after Melbourne Cup backlash