Peking Duk's Adam Hyde and Abbie Chatfield Face Hypocrisy Backlash Over Racing Performance
Adam Hyde, the chart-topping musician from Peking Duk, and his media personality girlfriend Abbie Chatfield have been labelled as hypocrites after Hyde accepted a paid performance at a major racing event. This move starkly contradicts Chatfield's publicly stated anti-racing stance, sparking widespread criticism from fans and animal rights activists alike.
Controversial Announcement Sparks Outrage
The Australian Turf Club recently announced that Adam Hyde will perform under his stage name 'Keli Holiday' on the opening day of Royal Randwick's prestigious Championships carnival on April 4. This announcement has taken both racing enthusiasts and animal welfare advocates by surprise, particularly given Chatfield's previous vocal opposition to horse racing events.
In November 2022, Abbie Chatfield made headlines when she publicly criticised celebrities who attended Derby Day at the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The podcaster and former Bachelor star claimed she had turned down a substantial financial offer to appear at a racing carnival event, stating emphatically in an Instagram Stories clip: "Guys I thought we were done with the races. I thought that wasn't a thing anymore. Like, why are so many people going to the races. What the hell?"
Chatfield followed up with a second clip, revealing she had received "snarky comments" from people questioning whether she had even been invited. She responded defiantly: "Yeah, I was offered money to go. A lot of money, I said f*** the races."
Public Reaction and Accusations of Virtue Signalling
The news of Hyde's upcoming performance at Randwick has been met with predominantly negative responses from confused and disappointed fans. One social media user commented: "I'm all for Australian performers and people from all sides of politics and different opinions, but this person and partner speak out so loudly about horse racing in The Spring that I feel it's a bit tone deaf?"
Another critic remarked: "Shows how hypocritical the anti-racing mob can be really?!" while a third added sarcastically: "Guess we're not that done with the races."
Animal rights activists have been particularly vocal in their condemnation of the high-profile couple. Instagram activist 'warriorforanimals' accused both Hyde and Chatfield of planning to attend the races "despite shaming everyone else." The account posted: "Keli Holiday will be performing at the races for Royal Randwick's 'The Championships'. Virtue signalling is clearly what you both do best and this proves it once again. Get off your high horses Abbie Chatfield and Kelli Holiday!"
Event Details and Racing Significance
The Australian Turf Club has confirmed Hyde's performance as Keli Holiday, with interim-CEO Steve McMahon telling media: "You'll be dancing." While the exact financial terms of Hyde's performance remain undisclosed, his set will commence after the final race of a ten-race card featuring prestigious Group 1 classics including the TJ Smith, the Doncaster Mile, and the ATC Derby.
This three-week Autumn carnival represents the jewel in Sydney's racing crown, alongside the highly successful The Everest meet held each October. Attendance figures highlight the sport's popularity, with more than 286,000 people attending last year's Melbourne Cup Carnival and over 50,000 fans packing Royal Randwick for The Everest meet in October.
Before Hyde takes the stage, attendees will witness world-class equine competition as some of racing's finest horses compete for millions in prize money. Notable contenders expected on the first day include Victoria Derby winner and Godolphin star Observer, The Everest runner-up Tempted, and star mare Autumn Glow.
The controversy surrounding Hyde and Chatfield underscores ongoing tensions between celebrity culture, commercial interests, and ethical stances on animal sports. As the event approaches, the couple faces mounting scrutiny over their perceived inconsistency between previous moral positioning and current professional engagements.
