Punters are switching off the Melbourne Cup, with a majority of Australians reporting they have little or no interest in what was once “the race that stops the nation”.
According to the latest Essential poll of 1,049 voters, just 11% reported a “high interest” in the Melbourne Cup, down five points from when the question was asked before the 2022 race.
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Despite a lack of personal interest, two-thirds (65%) of respondents agreed the Melbourne Cup is a unique part of Australia’s national identity, down seven points. Just 50% of those aged 18 to 34 agreed.
About half (48%) said it promotes unhealthy gambling behaviour. More than a third (36%) said it normalises animal cruelty, up two points since 2022.
The figures come as an increasing number of brands and sponsors are distancing themselves from the Melbourne Cup and other racing events.
This shit is barbaric. The whole sport / industry is. I used to know a guy that rescues former race horses and his stories were brutal. The way these horses are trained leaves them with permanent and painful impairments. If humans want to consentually ride the shit out of each other for sport, then whatever who gives a shit. Whack a public holiday on it and call it a culturally significant event. Just leave the horses out of it.
Circuses, racing, labour, food…
When profit motive is involved humanity goes out the window. Non human animals can’t organise unions and get rights though, we have to defend them.
State of origin public holiday let’s go!
Only for the state that wins though. Then it would get so much more intense.
Could you imagine a state vs state tournament series where the winning state gets a public holiday?!
They could change the sports also: AFL/Rugby/Cricket/Soccer/Basketball/netball so you don’t get a single state perpetually dominating.
Man, I’d care so much about that sport for those weeks.
I was vaguely interested in the Matildas for a hot minute when there was a chance of that resulting in a public holiday, I’m sure I could get at least a little bit invested in other sports if public holidays are involved.
The state who finishes last this year gets to pick the sport for next year.