Protesters set to challenge the Boxing Day Races

What: ‘Horse Racing Kills’ protest at the Boxing Day Races
When: Wedneday 26th December 2018, 11am
Where: Ellerslie Racecourse, 80 Ascot Avenue, Ellerslie

Boxing Day will see anti horse racing protesters demonstrating outside the Ellerslie Racecourse.

Activists will be holding placards and banners at the entrance of the racecourse calling on racegoers to reconsider supporting horseracing and demanding the industry at the very least implement a retirement plan for all racehorses.

Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson Aya McKenzie said today, “We are vehemently opposed to horseracing because every aspect of it is fundamentally cruel to the racehorses before, during and after their racing careers. And without a comprehensive retirement program, most racehorses when they are no longer profitable will find themselves in a knackery pen waiting to be killed."

“Under coercion by a jockey wielding a whip, nearly all racehorses will sustain injuries directly as a result of being pushed too far. It’s unconscionable that a sport that purports to love their horses allows this happen in the first place but then the ultimate betrayal comes when the horse is no longer profitable and in most cases will be condemned to slaughter."

"We want people going to the races to know it's no fun and games for the horses competing. Punters loose their money while it’s costing horses their lives.“

“We're urging people to think twice. Don't go to the races, instead find another cruelty-free activity to do these holidays,"

QUICK FACTS
• There is no retirement plan for racehorses
• 90% of racehorses suffer from bleeding in the lungs directly as a result of over-exertion
• 90% suffer from stomach ulcers as a result of an unnatural feeding regime
• Racehorses are stabled for up to 22 hours per day while in training
• The whip is allowed to be used 5 times prior to the 100m mark and then at the jockey’s discretion
• The average racing career is less than 3 years.
• In New Zealand, around 5,500 thoroughbred are raced annually.
• More than 3000 thoroughbred foals are born annually.
• Many of these foals will not have the temperament or aptitude for racing and will not be accounted for.
For More information: horesracingkills.com

© Scoop Media