The Illusion of High Society: Past Life Revelations on the Unseen Suffering of Racehorses

By Elinor Moshe

Reading time: 4-5 minutes

The Melbourne Cup—a day of spectacle, elegance, and revelry—is often seen as a pinnacle of Australia’s social calendar, a celebration that captivates an entire nation each November. Originating in 1861 as a simple horse race, it has grown into a cultural phenomenon defined by high fashion, alcohol, and betting, and it is now regarded as a symbol of status and wealth. Yet beneath the glittering veneer lies a reality that speaks to humanity’s tendency to exploit the voiceless. This is the “bread and circuses” of modern times—a spectacle that masks the underlying consequences of a society built on tradition without introspection.

For many, horse racing is harmless entertainment. But for me, it has always symbolised something darker: the exploitation of sentient beings for fleeting pleasure. I remember expressing this unease when asked if I’d be attending the Cup. “I don’t support animals as entertainment,” I responded, only to be quickly dismissed as “one of those.” The exchange became a reminder that compassion often requires us to stand alone, listening to the silent suffering many are unwilling to acknowledge.

In a poignant past-life regression, I uncovered memories of a life spent devoted to animals, particularly horses. Born as the only child of palace caretakers, I found companionship among animals, discovering an innate ability to understand and connect with them. Horses, with their vibrant personalities, became my closest friends. But not all memories were filled with joy. One stood out—a day spent in a corporate box, removed from the stables to witness the horses I loved being pushed to their limits in front of a roaring crowd. Seeing their stress and fear in that artificial world, while knowing they recognised me, was heart-wrenching. They yearned for comfort amid the chaos, a stark contrast between their purity and the constructed glamour around them.

Animals and Unconditional Love

Animals embody unconditional love—a boundless compassion evident even in their smallest interactions with us. Yet society too often repays this love with exploitation. The racing industry is a glaring example. Recent studies have found that about 90% of retired racehorses in Australia are sent to slaughterhouses. These gentle beings, once symbols of strength and beauty, are discarded when no longer profitable. For many, their lives are a build-up to a single race, defined by a brief moment of speed rather than cherished for their sentience.

Reflecting on my past-life experience, I felt the profound connection I had with horses and the heartbreak of leaving them behind. Knowing they would lose the companionship we shared, that they would be left with caretakers who lacked understanding, deepened my grief. This memory serves as a reminder of our responsibility to view animals as more than mere instruments of entertainment. They are fellow beings, deserving of dignity and care, with emotional depths we have yet to fully comprehend.

A Call for Compassion

This reflection isn’t intended to cast judgement but to invite a shift in perspective. Can we release outdated beliefs and begin honouring the gentle, selfless love animals continually extend to us? I encourage anyone who feels stirred to consider the impact of their choices, especially regarding the horse racing industry. Our treatment of animals mirrors our own evolution, and supporting events like the Melbourne Cup perpetuates a cycle of cruelty that is long overdue for change.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” This sentiment holds true across cultures, echoing the notion that compassion should extend to all beings. Traditions that involve animal suffering may no longer serve our highest good or the well-being of those we share this planet with.

Breaking the Cycle of Exploitation

In examining horse racing, we uncover layers of societal control and the allure of indulgence. The fanfare distracts us from the harsh reality of animal suffering, creating an illusion of joy built on cruelty. Our capacity for empathy diminishes when it becomes inconvenient. We cheer, we celebrate, and, in doing so, we drown out the silent cries of the voiceless.

As I explored my own journey through past-life regression, I saw how our inclinations in this life can be echoes of experiences from lives long past. Understanding this invites us to explore both our past and our present actions. The realisation that we may be bound by beliefs shaped across lifetimes encourages introspection and growth.

Choosing Compassion Over Conformity

In a world that often prizes spectacle over substance, it’s up to each of us to reclaim our role as stewards of compassion. Next time the Melbourne Cup—or any similar event—calls for celebration, pause and ask: what is the cost? What are we willing to overlook for a momentary thrill? And are we prepared to listen to the silent voices of the animals whose suffering underpins our amusement?

As a collective, we have the power to create a future where animals are no longer subjected to the whims of human entertainment. It begins with a shift in consciousness—recognising our interconnectedness and the shared journey we all undertake. Through compassion and empathy, we can break the cycle of suffering that persists in our society, opening the door to a world that honours all beings.

Each decision to step away from cruelty is an invitation to re-evaluate the beliefs we hold. Perhaps, by choosing compassion over conformity, we can grow beyond the confines of tradition and embrace a higher vision for humanity—one where every being is respected for their inherent worth.

We may even find that in exploring our soul’s journey, we’ve walked in the hooves of those we now seek to protect. The call for change is not only one of morality but of spiritual evolution, as we collectively strive to create a world that honours all life, in this existence and beyond.