The Melbourne Cup and horse racing in general has been panned in a statement from environmental organisation PETA.
Less than 24 hours after Half Yours won the Melbourne Cup, PETA released a statement airing their feelings on the Flemington-based event and the sport itself.
PETA - which stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - has long been a critic of horse racing and all its events.
"While we’re relieved that no horses died at this year’s Melbourne Cup - although winner Half Yours was seen bleeding from the mouth - we’re certainly not celebrating," a statement from Senior Campaigns Advisor to PETA Australia Mimi Bekhechi read.
"Horses may have one lucky race, but this doesn’t change the fact that 175 horses died on Australian tracks this racing year, forced to run at breakneck speeds while being whipped, just so humans could gamble on their lives.
"This year’s Melbourne Cup runners live to be exploited another day, but when they’re no longer profitable, they may still be discarded like used betting slips and slaughtered so their flesh can be sold.
"The mares will likely be forcibly and repeatedly impregnated until they’re no longer deemed productive – echoing the sad fate of former champion Black Caviar, who was forced to birth nine babies in 11 years, all while suffering from a painful foot disease, during her “retirement”.
"Horse racing has no place in a modern society and should be put out to pasture."
Who won the Melbourne Cup 2025?
Half Yours has claimed the Melbourne Cup after a blistering run down the home straight to take the crown.
Jockey Jamie Melham, who became just the second female jockey to win the great race, fended off a challenge from Goodie Two Shoes to cruise past the post and salute.
Middle Earth finished a little way back from the two main contenders, while River of Stars rounded out the top 4.
"This is what we do it for, this is why we get out of bed every morning at 4am," Melham told Channel Nine.
"This is what we work our arses off for in the last 15 years in the industry. It's tough, it's not all glorious and perfect as everyone can see sometimes.
"I've had an amazing year, got married, had some really great days on the track but nothing compares to this feeling with how I'm feeling."