Taylor Swift Cancels Melbourne Cup Performance

What appeared to be a coup for the Melbourne Cup Carnival has come undone. Taylor Swift will no longer perform at Flemington Racecourse on Melbourne Cup Day.

Swift was scheduled to perform two songs at the event but yesterday Mushroom Events announced – via a statement from its founder Michael Gudinski – that the performance was cancelled.

“Regrettably, Taylor is no longer able to make it to this year’s Melbourne Cup. Changes to her Asian promo schedule have made it logistically impossible for her to be here. To all of Taylor’s fans, we hope to see Taylor in Australia in 2020,” says Gudinski in the statement.

Swift’s appearance at the cup was criticised by those who claimed it was an endorsement of animal cruelty. A change.org petition demanding Swift cancel her show, started by Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses, was signed by more than 6500 people.

“The VRC has learned that Taylor Swift is now unable to make the trip to Australia and therefore cannot be with us on Melbourne Cup Day. Obviously, this is disappointing for everyone. We understand how important the pre-Cup entertainment is and we look forward to providing an update shortly,” said Victoria Racing Club (VRC) chief executive officer Neil Wilson in the statement.

Ticketing queries can be directed to the VRC Customer Service Centre from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday on 1300 727 575 or email customerservice@vrc.net.au.