Victoria crowned 'deadliest' state for racehorses by activists
The group behind the "Nup to the Cup" campaign has released its report into racehorse deaths both on and off the track across Australia.
Activists have declared Victoria the deadliest state for racehorses, according to the first annual DeathWatch report released by the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR). The report records at least 160 racing-related deaths in Victoria during the 2025-26 season. Racing Victoria disputes the findings as misleading and potentially mischievous, claiming there were only 22 racing fatalities.
The CPR, however, attributes 12 deaths since a certain race, including a two-year-old filly and a six-year-old gelding, to Victoria. The group emphasizes the lack of transparency concerning off-track deaths and calls for the public to have insight into racehorse deaths during trials and training. The Victorian Racing Industry Fund, a $72 million investment over four years, is insufficient, according to the CPR, and they urge racing bodies to track deaths independently.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
