The Melbourne Cup took place today. Backing the Say Nup To The Cup movement, we told you to do something like barefoot bowls instead of watch the annual event; I think I’d much rather be barefoot on grass than stuck in a stuffy suit in 28 degree heat anyway. 

It sounds like some took their support for Say Nup To The Cup even further, with several protestors storming the gates of Flemington Racecourse, as per Pedestrian TV.

They were swiftly accepted by the police of course but their protest has been spreading on social media. VICE reporter Julie Fenwick caught the chaos, revealing that protestors with the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses gathered at the gates of the racecourse, yelling ‘Say Nup To The Cup’ at the same time.

Images and videos of the protest show Victorian Police apprehending the protestors, with some being arrested – according to the police, nine people in total were arrested at the racecourse after eight of them chained themselves to a truck. The driver of the truck was also taken into custody.

“Police have arrested nine protesters outside Flemington Racecourse on 2 November,” Victoria Police said. “Officers spoke with two occupants in a tip truck loaded with manure that pulled up at the Flemington Road entry about 10.10 am.

Eight protesters appeared and tried to chain themselves to the truck however police quickly responded and took all into custody. The driver of the truck was also arrested. They are currently in custody, assisting police with their enquiries.”

Their protest comes as more and more people are waking up to the fact the racing industry is built on animal cruelty, with far too many horses dying for the sole purpose of sport in the Melbourne Cup in recent years.

The hashtag #NupToTheCup is now trending again on Twitter.

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