For over 150 years, the Melbourne Cup was the horse race that stopped Australia in its tracks. The annual event captivated the country, becoming one of the biggest days in the calendar.
In recent years though, that’s all changed. With too many horses dying in the race, the ‘say nup to the cup’ trend has risen up, highlighting the unnecessary brutality of the event. Every year, Twitter hashtags and public boycotts sprout up, and for good reason.
“More and more people are recognising that animals never win when gambling profits are at stake. That’s why I say ‘nup’ to the cup,” said Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi back in 2019.
The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses found that 122 horses had died on Aussie tracks in one year, a despicable number. The cruelty must stop.
The Melbourne Cup takes place next Tuesday, November 2nd. In solidarity with ‘say nup to the cup’, why not do either of these 4 fun things instead? Melbourne might have just reopened after a sixth lockdown, but there’s still plenty on offer away from the Melbourne Cup next week.
Barefoot bowling
The sport for all skill levels! A favourite activity of the Inner North folk, let the grass grow under your feet as you enjoy a bev and roll some bowls across a lawn. It’s that delightfully simple.
With it looking like it’s going to be a hot one next Tuesday as well, getting out in the sun for some sporting activity might be just what’s required. Just, you know, make sure your feet are nice and washed before heading to play.
Bar crawl
Sure, there’ll be a lot of people watching the Melbourne Cup in pubs but ignore them, find a sweet beer garden, and settle in for some sun and sangria (sangria optional). After going months having to choose between drinking in your living room or garden or, dare I say it, bedroom, being able to return to a bar is a beautiful thing.
Just remember that it’s likely to be heaving with other people having the exact same idea, so try and book a venue ahead of next Tuesday.
Big Bunnings day out
Earlier today, we brought you the wonderful news that the iconic Bunnings sausage sizzle is finally returning from this Saturday, October 30th, after being gone for oh so long due to COVID protocols. Shopping at the warehouse just hasn’t been the same without that tasty treat to pep you up.
With the usual Bunnings clientele likely to be immersed in the Melbourne Cup, next Tuesday might be the ideal day to go stock up on plants in time for summer, while also grabbing your first Snag for the first time in forever. An Australian cultural delight we can fully support.
Boost the CBD post-lockdown
Thanks to a great new initiative, parking in Melbourne’s CBD is only $5 at selected car parks until Christmas. Just think how good it will feel to go for dinner in Chinatown or hit up the shops in Melbourne Central without having to worry about the cost of parking. And with the Melbourne Cup on at the same time, the restaurants and shops might not be as busy as usual, fingers crossed.
