Racing Victoria has expressed sorrow over the recent events at Ballarat, which saw fatalities and injuries during jumps racing. Former deputy premier Rob Hulls has joined animal welfare advocates in calling for a ban on the sport, stating that nothing can be done to protect horses in jumps racing. Purcell, a member of the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses, believes that it is time for Victoria to ban jumps racing and treat horses with kindness. The decision about the future of jumps racing ultimately lies with Racing Victoria’s board, and Racing Minister Anthony Carbines has expressed concern over the recent incidents, stating that thorough reviews will be conducted to improve safety measures.
Statistics show that there have been 3.1 horse fatalities per season in Victorian jumps races since 2010, compared to 9.3 fatalities per season before safety improvements were implemented. In 2009, Racing Victoria announced a temporary halt to jumps racing due to rising concerns over falls and fatalities, but this decision was reversed 10 months later. Racing South Australia has decided to no longer run jumps events from 2022, leaving Victoria as the only state where jumps races are held. The feature event at May’s Warrnambool carnival, known as the ‘Bool, includes jumps racing and draws tens of thousands of visitors.
The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses has reported a total of 12 horse fatalities in the 2024 jumps season, including fatalities from track work and training. RSPCA Victoria has also called for an immediate ban on jumps racing due to the high risk of injury and death that it poses to horses. The industry has made efforts to improve safety in jumps racing since 2010, including modifications to jumps design, stricter horse qualification standards, and venue selection changes. While Racing Victoria plans to conduct a thorough review of the recent incidents and the 2024 jumps racing season, animal welfare advocates continue to push for a ban on the sport in Victoria.
The ongoing debate over jumps racing in Victoria highlights the divide between industry stakeholders and animal welfare advocates. Advocates argue that jumps racing is inherently cruel and risky for horses, and that the sport should be banned to prevent further fatalities and injuries. Industry representatives, on the other hand, emphasize the safety improvements that have been made over the years and the commitment to making jumps racing as safe as possible. The decision about the future of jumps racing rests with Racing Victoria’s board, and it remains to be seen whether calls for a ban will be heeded in the wake of the recent tragedies at Ballarat.
As the only state in Australia where jumps racing is still held, Victoria is under increasing pressure to address concerns over the safety and welfare of horses in the sport. The deaths and injuries at Ballarat have reignited calls for a ban on jumps racing, with advocates arguing that the risks outweigh any entertainment value that the sport may provide. Racing Victoria’s commitment to safety improvements and thorough reviews of incidents may lead to further changes in the way jumps racing is conducted in the state. Ultimately, the decision about the future of jumps racing will require a careful balance between industry interests and animal welfare considerations.
