This year’s annual Melbourne Cup Parade, a longstanding tradition where horses and jockeys are showcased on the city’s streets, has been cancelled.
Organisers of the parade, which has run every year since 1983 except over 2020-21 due to the pandemic, did not apply for funding from the City of Melbourne to host the event.
Victoria Racing Club (VRC) chief executive Steve Rosich, however, confirmed on Wednesday that a “feature event” will instead be held in the city.
Animal rights activists protested the event last year and have increased pressure on organisers to have it axed in recent years.
The parade is traditionally held on the eve of the great race, which is considered one of the most prestigious in the world.
The VRC has received funding from the City of Melbourne to run the parade in 2024, as it did in 2022, under the council’s Events Partnership Program.
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Pop superstar Taylor Swift notably cancelled her 2019 performance at the Melbourne Cup following public outcry from animal rights activists.
However the singer cited last-minute changes to her tour as the reason for her withdrawal.
Mr Rosich said the VRC was “look(ing) forward to unveiling our plans soon for Lexus Melbourne Cup eve celebrations”.
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