Megan Gale defends decision to pull out of Melbourne spring racing carnival
She was a glamorous regular in the Birdcage before pulling out of Melbourne’s spring racing carnival this year — but Megan Gale hasn’t completely ruled out returning to Flemington in future.
Confidential
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Megan Gale has opened up about her decision to opt out of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, saying she couldn’t ignore the cruelty to former racehorses which came to light.
The model and businesswoman said it was a tough call with her commitments as a Lexus ambassador, but she stands by her views.
“When we see something like The 7.30 Report, that’s brand new information for me and shapes a decision for me about whether or not I want to participate at an event that celebrates an industry that’s got a very big dark cloud over it,’’ she told the Herald Sun.
“(There are) a lot of questions around it that I personally want answered and means a lot of work in managing what happens to these animals once they’re not at the track anymore.
“I stopped and I assessed it. I have a choice to make a decision on brand new information I have received which has shifted something in me that I can’t ignore.
“Knowing I would potentially have a lot of backlash with not going and pulling out, and I like to be professional and I like to do my job, it was very big. And knowing there would be this perception of look, she’s boycotting it or trying to lead this charge or trying to protect herself, it doesn’t matter what people think.
“I’ve got to go with what feels right for me. Watching that story did not sit well with me.”
Gale said she also launched her new business, Mindful Life, six months earlier, which is an ethical and cruelty-free company.
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“It shows how strongly I feel about the welfare of animals,’’ she said.
“Even though the event itself and the races itself isn’t directly responsible for what happens to these horses post-career, I just couldn’t feel comfortable getting all dressed up, made up, drinking and having fun at the track with knowing what I know.”
Gale said she wouldn’t rule out attending the races in future if new laws and parameters were put in place.
She is busy expanding her Mindful Life business, adding the Mindful Life Journal to her website.
It will feature interviews with inspirational people in the health and wellness industry, recipes, mindful tips and Gale’s advice.