Peking Duk Star Adam Hyde Withdraws from Randwick Performance After Public Outcry
Adam Hyde, the frontman of the chart-topping electronic duo Peking Duk, has officially cancelled his heavily-criticised performance at a major horse racing event in Sydney. The musician, who performs under the stage name Keli Holiday, was scheduled to appear on the first day of Royal Randwick's prestigious Championships carnival on April 4, as announced earlier this week by The Australian Turf Club.
Australian Turf Club Confirms Last-Minute Cancellation
Following extensive public backlash and accusations of hypocrisy, The Australian Turf Club confirmed on Wednesday that Hyde has formally withdrawn from the event. In a statement posted on the club's official social media channels, the ATC declared: 'The Australian Turf Club advises that the scheduled performance by Keli Holiday at The Championships Day 1 has been cancelled. Keli Holiday's management has informed ATC of his decision to withdraw from the performance. We will provide further event updates where relevant.'
Hypocrisy Allegations Surround High-Profile Couple
The controversy stems from Hyde's relationship with media personality and podcaster Abbie Chatfield, who has been an outspoken critic of horse racing events. Chatfield, a former star of The Bachelor, made headlines in November 2022 when she publicly condemned celebrities attending Derby Day at the Melbourne Cup Carnival. In a series of Instagram Stories clips at the time, she expressed bewilderment at the continued popularity of racing events, stating: '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 further revealed that she had turned down a substantial financial offer to appear at a racing carnival, asserting: 'Yeah, I was offered money to go. A lot of money, I said f*** the races.' This background made Hyde's acceptance of the paid Randwick gig particularly contentious, with fans and activists labelling the couple as hypocrites.
Public Reaction and Animal Rights Activism
The announcement of Hyde's performance was met with widespread confusion and criticism across social media platforms. One perplexed fan 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 remarked sarcastically: 'Shows how hypocritical the anti-racing mob can be really?!' while a third noted pointedly: 'Guess we're not that done with the races.'
Animal rights activists were particularly vocal in their condemnation. Instagram activist account 'warriorforanimals' accused both Hyde and Chatfield of virtue signalling, posting: '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 Significance and Financial Implications
The Championships represent one of the crown jewels of Sydney's racing calendar, a prestigious three-week Autumn carnival that rivals the super-successful The Everest meet held each October. Hyde's performance was scheduled to commence after the final contest of a ten-race card featuring Group 1 classics including the TJ Smith, the Doncaster Mile, and the ATC Derby. While the exact financial terms of Hyde's contract remain undisclosed, the event typically attracts significant crowds, with more than 50,000 fans attending The Everest at Randwick last year and over 286,000 people at the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
The cancellation marks a significant reversal for the Australian Turf Club's entertainment lineup and highlights the growing influence of public opinion and activist pressure on celebrity engagements in controversial industries.
