Celebrities avoid horse racing events in fear of public backlash over animals cruelty
Australian and international celebrities are rethinking race-day appearances on the back of the recent shocking revelations of cruelty to former racehorses in Queensland and NSW. Model Megan Gale has pulled out of Melbourne Cup celebrations.
Confidential
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Organisers of Sydney and Melbourne race days are working on ways to convince stars to continue to support their events.
Australian and international celebrities are rethinking race-day appearances on the back of the recent shocking revelations of cruelty to former racehorses in Queensland and NSW.
Flemington Birdcage regular Megan Gale, music superstar Taylor Swift and actors Asher Keddie and Lara Jean Covey, are among celebrities avoiding the spring carnival races, fearful of backlash online.
Anthony Callea, who will sing the national anthem on Melbourne Cup day, has pledged to donate his performance fee to an equine welfare organisation.
“Our local celebrities are more acutely aware of what’s happening in the racing industry now,” said one insider who did not wish to be named.
“There have been a lot of meetings between clients and agents trying to determine whether attending is good or bad for their brand.
“It has been a nightmare for organisers trying to secure a celebrity who will pose with a horse to promote the event. There is genuine concern about the treatment of the horses and most are worried about the online backlash they will receive from trolls.”
Gale is the most high-profile personality to pull out of Melbourne Cup celebrations this week.
“She has recently launched a skincare brand, Mindful Life, which creates ethical, cruelty-free products. She can’t do that then support an industry in the spotlight for its treatment of horses,” a source said.
Another local star who has decided to boycott is model and actor Isabelle Cornish.
Cornish, a vegetarian PETA ambassador, last attended the races in Sydney in 2016 and decided not to return following the hate she received online.
“Fortunately, there is now more exposure into the world of racing and the treatment of horses post-career,” Cornish told Sunday Confidential.