Jumps racing should continue

October 4, 2008, 6:39pm,  68 views

There is a new push to ban jumps racing in Victoria. When it comes to an actual spectacle, the steeplechase is the most entertaining form of horse racing in my opinion. It’s dramatic and great to watch.

The push is coming from animal welfare groups and I don’t agree with it.

As a local trainer commented to The Border Watch in Mount Gambier, many of the horses used for jumps racing are retired flat racers, which without a racing career, would end up in the abattoir for pet food.

“The animal liberation movement are very concerned about the things they can see, but don’t seem to worry about the things they can’t see,” he said.

Jumps racing isn’t big in Australia, but it’s a colorful and entertaining part of the sport. I wouldn’t like to see it go.