Nup to the Cup x Anthony Breslin collab.
The Alternative - Nup to the Cup
Why Say 'Nup to the Cup'?
The Melbourne Cup has been bringing people together since 1861. A day at the races was a favourite pastime of people around the Global North; England has the Grand National Steeplechase, the USA has the Kentucky Derby, and other countries have their own feature race day. Cup events in Australia are held not only in Melbourne, but across the country throughout the year.
Until relatively recently, most people were oblivious to the negative impact of horse racing on horses and the community. Life, culture, our morals, and understanding are forever changing. What was acceptable ten years ago may not be acceptable today. This is certainly the case with horse racing for many different reasons.
1. Animal Cruelty, Exploitation & Abuse
Horses bred for racing have a specific purpose – to win and be profitable. This creates a conflicting interest with the horse’s welfare.
2. Gambling Addiction
The culture surrounding the Melbourne Cup aids in normalising gambling for Victorians, and Australians at large.
3. Alcohol, assault and accidents
According to the Vic Health report Drinking cultures and social occasions: Alcohol harms in the context of major sporting events...
4. It brings out the worst in us
A vista of empty bottles and rubbish strewn across the manicured lawn of Flemington.
Featured Events
Nup to the Cup history
How did it all start?
Nup to the Cup started over a decade ago when a supporter of the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses suggested there should be an alternative event for people who want to have a good time on Melbourne Cup Day without supporting animal cruelty.
Our very first event took place in 2010. It poured rain and 20 people spent most of the day huddled under a small marquee. Surprisingly, it was still a lot of fun. So, we kept doing it year after year – rain, hail or shine.
The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses has been relentlessly campaigning, helping to expose the cruelty and abuse in the racing industry. Melbourne Cup Day itself has resulted in the death of at least eight horses in the past ten years, and many others have sustained serious injury, never to be heard of again. There would of course be many other Melbourne Cup Day deaths prior to when CPR started recording such fatalities. Horse racing no longer enjoys the glamorous image it once had – it’s now fighting for its social licence.
Many people, including some notable celebrities, are now saying Nup to the Cup and refusing to attend the races. In 2019, Taylor Swift tore up her million-dollar contract and refused to sing at the Melbourne Cup.
The original Nup to the Cup event happens every year in a sports field opposite Flemington Racecourse. It now attracts hundreds of people who want to take a stand against animal abuse while still having a good time.
