May 9 - Following the third jump horseracing-related death in just two days in the Australian state of Victoria this week, Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) called an emergency meeting, which resulted in the immediate suspension of all jump horse racing in the state, with the possibility of a permanent ban of the sport.

On Thursday two jump horses had to be euthanized after suffering career-ending injuries during the last day of the Warrnambool May carnival. As such, the RVL was forced to review the future sport of jump or national hunt racing, which is acknowledged to be more dangerous to horses and riders than flat racing.

Said RVL chief executive Rob Hines, 'We have asked the Jumps Review Panel to make a report to the board by early next week on the season so far and on all the incidents that have occurred. We'll hold a board meeting next week to make a decision on the future of jumps racing and issue a statement thereafter.'

Adding more fuel to the fire, was pressure by Australian animal welfare campaigners to ban the already much-maligned and controversial form of horse racing. They welcomed the suspension of the sport, and are in favor of a permanent ban. And they are not alone, as Victoria's government also reportedly seeks a ban.

Said Advocates for Animals' president Lawrence Pope, 'It's a wise move on the part of Racing Victoria and shows they are beginning to wake up from the past and move into reality in the 21st century. People will not tolerate having our horses die or executed in front of them as part of a gambling or entertainment spectacle.'

So far this year, Australian jump racing has claimed the lives of five horses, the most recent being Clearview Bay, a talented 9-year-old top weight that had to be euthanized on Thursday after stumbling and falling at the fourth-last fence of the punishing 5550m Grand Annual, a race that boasts more than 33 fences.

Clearview Bay's death followed that of Pride Of Westbury, who broke his neck when he fell at the last jump in Wednesday's Galleywood Hurdle, and Hassle, who had to be put to sleep when he shattered a bone in one of his legs in a different jump race to Clearview Bay on Thursday at Warrnambool Racing Club.

Other Articles:

Izonit to Miss Doomben Cup Due to Rules - 05-13-09

Rachel Alexandra Preakness Run Is On - 05-12-09

Elusive Wave Wins Poule d'Essai des Pouliches - 05-11-09

Barclay Tagg Retires Tale of Ekati - 05-10-09

Rachel Alexandra Could Run in Preakness Stakes - 05-08-09

I Want Revenge Likely Out Until 2010 - 05-07-09

Ambiance Stud Farm to Close after 16 Years - 05-06-09

Empires Choice Aimed at 2009 Melbourne Cup - 05-05-09




2011/12/09 12:48:58 AM