Racing: Disgusting start to Melbourne Cup week, don’t be this guy

Channel 7 horse racing host Jason Richardson has exposed the worst of Melbourne Cup week in an ugly moment.

Millions of Australians will be caught up in the excitement of the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, and many will try their luck choosing a winner.

It makes the run-up to the 3200m race at Flemington a high-pressure week for horse racing forecasters, who never have more exposure and responsibility in making their picks for the big race.

And as Richardson pointed out Saturday night, it can get ugly.

Richardson revealed what for him is a “standard” response from someone who wasn’t happy with the advice he gave before Derby Day.

“Richo pal, I just want to let you know that you are the most pathetic horse handicapper out there,” wrote an Instagram user in a direct message.

“(You) pick the favorite in every race and when he loses to a $ 16 badass – (post-race chat)” Oh god that damn horse was good! I would never have missed that “WELL, YOU NEVER TIPED, DID YOU RICH? GO FORM.”

Richardson called the troll abusive, continuing a recent trend from sports leagues and high-profile commentators.

“Now seriously Erin Molan says it best, this is not right,” Richardson wrote. “I laugh at that, but others don’t.”

Australian television host Molan recently revealed the terrifying moment when she believed an online troll broke into her home at 2am to attack her unborn daughter, after days of savage abuse on social media.

He also opened up about the disgusting message that struck close to home after a family tragedy that is still raw.