Tens of thousands of people are expected to turn out for the annual Melbourne Cup parade, including potentially hundreds of protesters angry about the treatment of former racehorses.
The traditional Monday parade through Melbourne’s CBD, ahead of the running of the $8 million Cup on Tuesday, always attracts anti-horse racing activists.
Police are preparing for more protesters throughout the Cup carnival after recent allegations of animal cruelty involving racehorses sent to a slaughterhouse.
The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses will take up its usual position at the end of the parade route, with a Facebook post indicating a couple of hundred people may attend.
The procession of trainers, owners, jockeys, fashions on the field participants and retired racehorses will make their way along Swanston Street to Federation Square from noon.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp and Victoria Racing Club chairman Amanda Elliott will carry the $200,000 Cup trophy.
A small group of protesters holding signs stood outside the gates at Flemington Racecourse during Derby Day on Saturday.
Another protest is planned for outside Flemington on Cup day.
