'I'm disgusted, educate yourself': Former Miss Universe Australia Tegan Martin, 27, is targeted by cruel trolls after announcing she's the latest ambassador for the Melbourne Cup

  • Former Miss Universe Australia, Tegan Martin, made a special announcement
  • The 27-year-old was appointed the Melbourne Cup Carnival Ambassador 2019
  • But instead of receiving high praise she was criticised for her new role
  • Kyle Sandilands' girlfriend Imogen Anthony had a scathing response for Tegan

A former Miss Universe Australia has been heavily criticised for her new role as ambassador for the Melbourne Cup Carnival, with cruel trolls calling her involvement in the horse racing industry 'disgusting'.

Tegan Martin shared her exciting news on Sunday, posting a photo of herself dressed in a designer outfit by Australian brand Torannce.

'The Carnival has always been a favourite time of year for me and with only 55 days to go it's going to be an amazing season! Big thanks to Flemington for this incredible opportunity,' she wrote on Instagram.

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A former Miss Universe Australia has been heavily criticised for her new role as ambassador for the Melbourne Cup Carnival, with many calling her involvement in the horse racing industry 'disgusting'

The 27-year-old Sydneysider, who was 'thrilled' by the appointment, couldn't have foreseen the hate comments her single post would generate.

'Such an awful industry that use horses as business commodities,' one person commented. 

'Educate yourself about the "sport" you're being an ambassador for. This race and all horse racing is disgusting. So many horses are murdered and abused and here you are all proud thinking this is oh so glamorous - it isn't,' said another.

The 27-year-old, who was 'thrilled' by the appointment, couldn't have foreseen the hate comments her single post would generate
'This horror show is my least favourite day of the year! I can' t help but think if these "celebrities" just stopped being ambassadors and throwing their support behind it - it may just lose its appeal entirely,' a third added

'The Carnival has always been a favourite time of year for me and with only 55 days to go it's going to be an amazing season! Big thanks to Flemington for this incredible opportunity,' she wrote on Instagram

Tegan announced her new appointment on Sunday morning but not everyone was so excited

Tegan announced her new appointment on Sunday morning but not everyone was so excited

'This horror show is my least favourite day of the year! I can't help but think if these "celebrities" just stopped being ambassadors and throwing their support behind it - it may just lose its appeal entirely,' a third added.

Radio host Kyle Sandilands' girlfriend Imogen Anthony - who is a devout vegan and animal activist - was also quick to jump into the conversation.

'You look stunning and that horse is beautiful but the Melbourne Cup absolutely SUCKS,' she said.

Many of the comments took aim at Tegan for not 'understanding' what the horse racing industry does to its champions

Many of the comments took aim at Tegan for not 'understanding' what the horse racing industry does to its champions

Radio host Kyle Sandilands' girlfriend Imogen Anthony (pictured on her farm) - who is a devout vegan and animal activist - was also quick to jump into the conversation

Radio host Kyle Sandilands' girlfriend Imogen Anthony (pictured on her farm) - who is a devout vegan and animal activist - was also quick to jump into the conversation

'Kyle and I have countless rescued race horses so I can't say nothing... Such a horrible and barbaric event for the poor beautiful, defenceless horses involved... Even the one you're pictured with could end up flogged and shot at the end.

'Anyway, hopefully one day the industry can clean up its ways. It's not your fault babe - you're just doing a job, but we just wish people would recognise what it really is for these horses... pure and utter torture.' 

Despite the backlash Tegan did receive a number of supportive messages from her friends in the modelling industry, including Olivia Molly Rodgers and Erin Holland.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival begins on November 2 and runs until November 9 with Derby Day, the Melbourne Cup and Oaks Day included

Olivia Molly Rogers also sent her regards
Former Bachelor star Keira Maguire also reached out to wish her congratulations by calling her a 'beautiful girl'

Despite the backlash Tegan did receive a number of supportive messages from her friends in the modelling industry, including Olivia Molly Rodgers and Erin Holland

Former Bachelor star Keira Maguire also reached out to wish her congratulations by calling her a 'beautiful girl'.

Tegan hasn't responded to any of the hate directly and FEMAIL has reached out to her for comment.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival begins on November 2 and runs until November 9 with Derby Day, the Melbourne Cup and Oaks Day included.

In her role Tegan will be expected to attend all of the major day events dressed in designer wears. 

Last year there was heated contention around the spring racing season with fearsome protesters launching the hashtag #F***theCup before the 'race that stops the nation'.  

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Tegan Martin flooded with hate comments after announcing she's the Melbourne Cup ambassador 

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