The race that divides a nation: Why controversy surrounds this year’s Melbourne Cup

While more than two million people in Australia are expected to watch Tuesday's race, a recent exposé on the mistreatment of retired racehorses has given anti-racing activists the fuel to spread their message further.

Once heralded “the race that stops a nation” and a traditional aspect of Australian life, the country’s most prestigious horse race is being staged this year surrounded by heightened controversy.

At 3pm on the first Tuesday of November - a public holiday in Victoria - Australians will once again gather in their homes, offices, at the bookmakers and the tracks to watch 20 of the world’s best racehorses battle it out for $8 million in prize money.

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