Jumps racing set to continue in Victoria

Jumps racing in Victoria has won a reprieve after a disastrous end to season at Ballarat.

Three horses were euthanised at the season ending Grand National Steeplechase meeting at Ballarat in August, prompting a review with over 350 written submissions received, reflecting proposals to improve jumps racing, calls for its cessation along with support to continue in its current form.

Jumps racing will be conducted primarily in the west of Victoria with meetings hosted at Ballarat, Warrnambool, Terang, Hamilton, Casterton and Coleraine with Sandown in the east the main venue with Sale axed and Pakenham to be phased out.

The comprehensive review began in September which was chaired by Racing Victoria’s Executive General Manager – Integrity Jamie Stier with 11 recommendations put to the RV Board.

The RV Board resolved to adopt and further enhance 11 safety and operations recommendations it received while noting the Warrnambool May Carnival generates $14.8 million in direct expenditure annually and the removal of jumps racing would likely impact the Carnival’s unique appeal and potentially adversely impact visitation, employment, and economic activity in the region.

While acknowledging last season was unacceptable with seven horses dying, the RV Board recognised the efforts of all in jumps racing over the previous 14 season to improve jumps racing.

The recommendations included reducing the length of the jumps season to start at the end of March and to conclude mid-August, ensure jumps racing is focussed at tracks specifically prepared for jumps racing, ensure meetings are not transferred to an alternative venue following nominations, ensure jumps races are conducted on surfaces no firmer than Soft 5 preferably closer to a Soft 6 than Good 4 and if the track is a Good 4 then any jumps races will be abandoned.

The RV Board also endorsed making jumps trials more competitive, increase the use of alternative trial venues, have formal schooling days, make jockeys ready via a former jumps jockey becoming a Jumps Jockey Coach, the permanent use of loosened straps on hurdles and the placement of obstacles to be considered at each venue.

The final recommendation was for RV to investigate ways to address the overall financial performance of jumps racing which would include a reduction in prize money and investigate external sources including grants and sponsorship.

At the conclusion of each jumps season, a review will be undertaken while a broader review of jumps racing will be conducted after three years on the recommendation of Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll.

Chairman Tim Eddy said RV was committed to ensuring jumps racing continues to evolve with safety, integrity and sustainability at the forefront of every decision made.

“This decision reflects our recognition of jumps racing’s cultural and economic significance to regional Victoria, particularly its vital role in events such as the Warrnambool May Carnival,” Eddy said.

“I want to extend my gratitude to the Jumps Review Group for their thorough and balanced assessment of jumps racing. I also wish to thank the individuals and organisations who contributed to the review process and tabled a submission.”