Officials criticised for ‘Midget Cup’

AUSTRALIAN horse racing officials have been slammed for holding a dwarf racing competition called the Midget Cup at a meeting in Melbourne to promote Victoria state’s annual carnival.

The race at the Cranbourne Cup on Sunday involved three men charging down a 50-metre course with dwarfs dressed in jockey silks riding piggyback, and has been denounced by government officials and advocacy groups.

“Well look, there’s often a fine line between a bit of fun and a silly stunt and I think this falls into the latter category,” Victorian racing minister Rob Hulls told state radio.