To not go to the races for my friends birthday?

I wouldn’t go either, but wouldn’t say why. Not that it doesn’t matter, it wouldn’t feel productive to get into a discussion about it. I’d offer to meet her for a birthday coffee and cake instead, as a means of changing the subject and having a way to celebrate with her you’ll actually look forward to.
edited to add you know her best, if you think she’d suddenly think “oh! I didn’t realise!” Then great!

I'd only give a reason if she directly asks

It’s seven times too many.

i expect you agree, unless you’d be happy to let me come and do it to your pet, or to you?

I would tell her you can’t go for ethical reasons - that’s why you’re vegan.

Some people have no idea of the harm they are supporting attending these events. Better to raise awareness if asked about it.

I’d be grateful a friend alerted me to the fact that many people find the sport abhorrent. It might help her to reflect on why this is.

Good idea.

And if she presses you further just say that you don't want to put a damper on her birthday by going to the races, but you would love to join them afterwards.

And if she does press you, just say racing isn’t for me but I can meet you afterwards for drinks and/or dinner.

Meet them afterwards for dinner?

Has she picked a date? If so, just say you have something else booked already. If not, lie low (or be vaguely keen) and wait for her to pick a date based on others' replies, then say you have something else booked already.

You can do whatever you like. 👍

I’m leaving the thread now as this was really not what the OP was asking and I don’t want to derail this thread anymore.

OP has already made the point they don’t agree with horse racing and just wanted to know how to deal with their friend.

I like it, have done for years. You don’t and don’t agree with it and I can obviously understand why some people feel that way.

There's no need to lie because you're not doing anything wrong.

Just say you can't make it in the group chat then, if/when she approaches you about it, be honest. At the end of the day, you've turned down invites to the races from your partner before for the same reason.

If she gets arsey she's being a really shitty friend, I think. Nobody should have to go against their morals and values for someone's birthday.

Presumably she knows you are a vegan. Just tell her it’s the same thing.

The relevance is, there are rules already in place to stop the abuse of racing horses and as you eluded too, he chose to ignore them and was rightly punished.

Are you stating this was a unique one off event or would you like me to show more incidents of abuse towards horses involved in commercial racing?

https://www.racingpost.com/news/international/jockey-receives-hefty-suspension-after-whipping-rival-horse-on-the-head-ac2g42z4L0h5/

The horses run becasue they are prey animals and so are conditioned to - once one sets off they all do.
They do it through fear not joy. I have ridden horses that run because they want to, its very different
And thats before you even get into the treatment of horses who aren't good enough or are too old.

@RedToothBrush that is such old hat patter. People don't believe that anymore. The horses that don't win end up as dog meat. The ones that do win end up as dog meat once they get too old to win.

I know, vegans won't stop telling me! 🎣

@Sunseaandsand1 good post. I was thinking myself that this is a good opportunity to explain just WHY you are opposed to horse racing. Be an out and proud vegan, no need to hide your moral values as if its something to be ashamed about. A chance to educate your friend, in a non judgy way, obviously. You never know she might even change her mind about it and do something else! What a win that would be!

This ^

Although I suspect the OP's friend is not aware of the OP's feelings here - otherwise she wouldn't have chosen a day at the races...

Jockeys are allowed to whip the horse 6 times, 7 if a jump race, that’s not the length of the course.

The poster I quoted was still not correct in what they said regardless of your PETA quote, I was just pointing that out.

Don’t tell her the reason, you will come across as very judgemental: just say you can’t make it.

There’s something stopping me from telling her the real reason, I feel like she will take it in a weird way as if I’m judging and I’m not… I just don’t personally want to go

You are judging, you don't agree with her choice of entertainment and think your morals are better. You do want to tell her because any time anyone suggests being vague or lying, you won't do that either.

Not sure what you want from this post though. Are you virtue signalling? Or asking whether your friend will ditch you if you tell her what you think?

@saraclara does taking a moral stand mean that you are criticising others? I see it more as setting an example. Instead of just going along with the crowd in order to make it more comfortable for everyone else.

The jockeys use crops to beat the animals the length of the course. The horses are not running for the joy of it.

According to Peta "since 2000, 63 horses have died at the annual festival. "

I have been invited numerous times and have always said I would find it too stressful (true) and I couldn’t go. Those that really know me, know why, my love of animals. Those that don’t assume I mean the crowds. Be honest. Be yourself. She could change her plans if she is desperate for you to celebrate with her.