COURTING MAGIC

There were hundreds of people following the story of Courting Magic on social media. People believed she was deliberately snuck into the Echuca Auction late in the day so that she wouldn’t be photographed and promoted. After she was bought by Shepp Meats, people became aware that this beautiful mare that had won 10 races and been placed in many more, had been thrown to the doggers. Courting Magic had been retired from racing in Darwin and sent to a stud in Victoria.

When people approached Shepp Meats, they were informed that she was needed for the quota and was already on the truck. As more and more people became aware of her fate, Peter Loffel said he would try to have her removed from the truck. Waiting in great anticipation over a period of days, many people hoped and prayed for her safe release from the jaws of death.

Courting Magic when she was loved

However, other people rang Meramist in a futile attempt to buy her and found that she had already been killed. Mike Eathorne, the Manager at Meramist, thought it was highly amusing to tell people that she would be leaving there in a cardboard box.

The tragic end for Courting Magic galvanised many, many people to fight for change. Ultimately, the actions that started with her have culminated in Shepp Meats losing their Meramist contract.

Her story made brought home the reality of horse slaughter to a large number of people. That this beautiful mare that had done her best by her humans, that had relationships of trust with people, could end up on a French plate is an abomination.

YOU CAN HELP BAN HORSE SLAUGHTER

BY THE NUMBERS – AUSTRALIA’S GAMBLING SHAME

THE STAGGERING STATISTICSThe gambling industry loves to tell Australians it’s all just harmless fun. But the statistics paint a picture of devastation that can’t be ignored.Australians lose about AUD 31.5 billion per year to legal gambling. That amount is more than...

BELLA VITA EQUINE WELFARE AND HORSE SANCTUARY

AMANDA VELLA WEIGHS IN ON THE DARK SIDE OF HORSE RACINGAfter we published information about Melbourne Cup winning trainer Darren Weir including video of Weir using an illegal 'jigger' to shock multiple horses (read more here) -- Amanda Vella of Bella Vita Equine...

DARREN WEIR JIGGER VIDEO

SHOCKING FOOTAGE EXPOSES THE BRUTALITY OF HORSE RACINGThe ugly truth behind horse racing has once again been laid bare. The Victorian Racing Tribunal has released disturbing footage of disgraced Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir electrocuting terrified horses...

UK RACING INDUSTRY STRIKE

HORSE RACING INDUSTRY STRIKES TO PROTECT GAMBLING PROFITS - NOT HORSES, NOT FAMILIESThe British racing industry is up in arms – not about the welfare of horses, not about the devastation gambling addiction wreaks on families, because the government may dare to tax...

RACE HORSES’ LIVES PUT AT RISK

CHAMPION TRAINER CHRIS WALLER SPEAKS OUT...Horse racing likes to dress itself up as “the sport of kings,” but the truth is far uglier. At its core, racing is not about horses, trainers, or even punters—it’s about gambling turnover. The animals who actually put their...

PACEMAKER TACTICS IN RACING

PACEMAKERS, TEAM TACTICS & THE GREY AREAS OF HORSE RACINGHorse racing is not always as straightforward as it looks. While most punters turn up expecting a fair contest of speed, stamina, and jockey skill, the reality can be far more complicated. Take the recent...