Taylor Swift cancels Melbourne Cup gig

Taylor Swift has cancelled her performance at the Melbourne Cup in Australia next month.

The Shake It Off hitmaker was supposed to headline the horse racing event but has decided to pull out citing scheduling problems.

In a statement, music booking agency Mushroom Events said: "Regrettably, Taylor is no longer able to make it to this year's Melbourne Cup. Changes to her Asian promo schedule have made it logistically impossible for her to be here."

Her cancellation comes just weeks after animal rights groups accused her of "endorsing animal abuse" as six horses have died at the Cup since 2013.

The Cup's organisers are yet to confirm the new headline act for the November 5 event.