Hundreds of people angry about the treatment of former racehorses have protested as thousands turned out in the rain to watch the annual Melbourne Cup parade.

The traditional Monday parade through Melbourne’s CBD, held before the running of the $8m Cup on Tuesday, attracted more anti-horseracing activists than usual despite the downpour.

The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses took up its usual position at the end of the parade route, chanting “Blood on your hands”, “Animal abusers total losers” and “Say nup to the Cup” as the procession of trainers, owners and jockeys made their way down Swanston Street to Federation Square.

Spokeswoman Kristin Leigh said the group had been inundated with support since ABC’s 7.30 program broadcast footage last month of racehorses being sent to a slaughterhouse.

“People are certainly waking up to the truth behind this industry. People can’t say they don’t know any more,” she said.

“If you’re going to the races this year and you saw 7.30 you are complicit in that animal abuse.”

Horse trainer Fiona McIntyre rode the parade on retired racehorse Precedence, which now enjoys a post-racing career as a show horse.

“He’s adjusted so well to it, he’s doing fantastic,” she said of the former Bart Cummings-trained horse.

McIntyre said the footage aired in the 7.30 report was horrific.

“I think it’s revolting, the abattoirs need to clean up their acts,” she said.

“These horses have an amazing opportunity once they’re retired and we need to really celebrate that and show everybody what they’re capable of.”

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp and Victoria Racing Club chairman Amanda Elliott carried the $200,000 Cup trophy during the parade.

Capp said the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to Victoria’s economy.

“We know that in the lead-up to this week more than 50,000 dresses have been bought, about 55,000 hats, fascinators and shoes,” she said.

Another protest is planned outside Flemington racecourse on Tuesday.