🔒 🔒 Tripadvisor’s horse racing welfare warning prompts Racing Victoria and VRC pushback 

Racing Victoria has challenged Tripadvisor’s decision to classify Australian racecourses as failing its animal welfare policy, arguing the global travel platform has overlooked significant advances in equine safety and retirement programs.

The response, alongside criticism from the Victoria Racing Club, comes as the industry counts down to the Melbourne Cup Carnival, an event increasingly marketed to domestic and international visitors as a major tourism attraction.

Racing Victoria said it was “very disappointing” that Tripadvisor had adopted a blanket position without consulting racing authorities in individual regions.

“Here in Victoria we’re proud to be a leader in equine welfare, setting global safety benchmarks on the track and delivering a post-racing framework that supports retired racehorses,” RV said in a statement to The Straight.

The regulator pointed to the absence of serious incidents at the past five Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate carnivals as evidence of progress in veterinary care and race-day safety.

It said $50 million had been invested in equine welfare initiatives since 2017, spanning injury prevention, veterinary science, safety-net support and programs for horses after their racing careers.

RV also highlighted the financial commitment of owners and trainers, who it said spend $590 million annually in Victoria preparing thoroughbreds to race, with elite round-the-clock care central to that investment.

“All within racing share a common love of the horse and are committed to ensuring the best possible welfare outcomes for our equine athletes before, during and after racing,” RV said.

RV is adamant the Victorian spring carnival’s $785 million contribution to the state’s economy won’t be affected by Tripadvisor’s stance, saying it expected racegoers to continue supporting major meetings despite the warning.

“Our clubs offer outstanding race-day experiences and entertainment and we expect that Victorians and those travelling from out of state will continue to warmly embrace our sport and our major events,” it said.

The VRC, which hosts the Melbourne Cup, argued that the classification failed to distinguish between individual venues.

“This decision reflects an updated global policy and not a direct assessment of Flemington or the Melbourne Cup Carnival, and we are disappointed that each venue is not assessed on its own merits,” a VRC spokesperson told The Straight.

“Equine welfare is at the heart of everything we do and remains a key focus for the Victoria Racing Club and the broader racing industry.

“At Flemington, horses are cared for with extensive veterinary oversight and rigorous pre-race and race-day monitoring.

“The VRC has also invested significantly in racing and training infrastructure designed to support horse safety, performance and recovery, with the wellbeing of the horse at the centre of every decision.”

The 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival attracted more than 286,000 racegoers and generated an estimated $533 million in economic benefit for Victoria, according to VRC figures.

“(It) remains Australia’s original major event and continues to gain momentum,” the VRC said.

“We have seen strong demand for this year’s carnival and growing engagement from younger audiences. 

“Last year, 53 per cent of general admission tickets were purchased by people aged 35 and under, and we have no doubt the carnival will continue to resonate with this growing audience.”

The VRC said its record on welfare and wellbeing now encompassed partnerships with Living Legends, Equine Pathways Australia, and Riding for the Disabled Victoria, helping to provide retraining, rehoming, and lifelong care for thoroughbreds.

The responses follow Tripadvisor’s move to display a warning on racecourse listings stating that the business does not currently meet its Animal Welfare Policy, while preventing the sale of associated racing experiences through Tripadvisor and subsidiary outlet Viator.

The company’s policy excludes bookable experiences in which domesticated animals are considered to face heightened risk of injury or death for sport or entertainment, specifically including most forms of horse, dog and camel racing, as well as rodeo-style events.

The classification does not mean a particular Australian racecourse has breached welfare standards or is unsafe, but applies to the activity being offered.

Tripadvisor warnings have also appeared on listings for prominent international venues including Saratoga, Churchill Downs and Ascot.

The British Horseracing Authority has described the decision as “surprising and troubling” and written to Tripadvisor seeking reconsideration, arguing the classification does not reflect the safety and welfare standards underpinning modern British racing.

The RV and VRC responses follow Australian Turf Club chief executive Steve McMahon’s rejection of the suggestion that the classification reflected how horses are treated in the industry, arguing that it overlooked the care provided by racing participants.

“Comments critical of horse welfare in the thoroughbred racing industry fundamentally misunderstand the care taken with the animals,” McMahon said.

The RSPCA has welcomed the policy change, saying it supports removing ticket sales for animal racing and rodeo experiences through the platform.

Tripadvisor has not provided a substantive response to media enquiries since international racing publications first reported the platform’s guidelines update earlier this month.