Anti-racing activists on their high horse

It was the tragic sight nobody wanted to see. Or did they? Yet another Melbourne Cup death has the animal welfare crusade in full swing.

The tragic loss of The Cliffsofmoher – who was euthanised on Tuesday after suffering a fracture to his right shoulder – was another unwanted chapter in the recent story of Cup deaths.

Some of the more credible welfare groups in Australia are calling for significant changes to racing but many individuals are making outlandish claims in a bid to bring the curtain down on the sport of kings for good.

Most of the welfare groups are packing genuine concern, but many activists seem to be revelling in the fact another horse has died on a day when the eyes of the world were watching the race that stops a nation.

Yes, there have been too many deaths in the Cup – but whether that is more bad luck or bad management is up for serious debate.

There’s no doubt a small percentage of people within racing are not doing all they should be to ensure equine safety. But be it racing, farming or running the corner dairy, there are bad eggs in every industry.

In the wake of Tuesday’s death, those against racing are screaming from the rooftops that horses are being killed for entertainment and betting purposes.

But is racing and in particular the Melbourne Cup becoming a soft target for those against animal cruelty? How come they protest most loudly on the biggest racing day of the year? You don’t see them at Kilmore on a Monday.

Why don’t we see them protesting against hunters who shoot, stab and set dogs on animals for recreational purposes on a more regular basis? Is it because there is no media coverage in the back blocks?

The injury suffered by The Cliffsofmoher could have just as easily happened running around in a paddock. Instead, it happened it front of more than 83,000 punters and a worldwide TV audience of millions.

If activists are serious about change, it’s time to do away with the sensationalist claims and pick up the peace pipe for a more collaborative approach with racing’s integrity divisions. Both sides need to drop the stigma and work together.