Racing Victoria confirms future of jumps racing with reforms

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Racing Victoria makes changes to the hurdles season
Ablaze jumps a hurdle on his way to winning the Grand National Hurdle (4200m) at Sandown. Photo: Pat Scala/Racing Photos

Racing Victoria (RV) has committed to the future of jumps racing in Victoria, following an extensive review that concluded with the decision to implement new safety and operational measures.

The review, spearheaded by RV’s Executive General Manager – Integrity, Jamie Stier, and former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Jack Forrest, has led to the establishment of the Jumps Taskforce (JT) tasked with overseeing these enhancements.

After reviewing over 350 submissions, the Jumps Review Group (JRG) presented their findings to the RV Board, which then agreed to adopt several strategic measures.

Changes made to jumps racing in Victoria

  • Season Adjustment: The season will start no earlier than five weeks before the Warrnambool May Carnival and end mid-August at Ballarat, reducing the total number of jumps races.
  • Venue Specialisation: Jumps racing will focus on tracks specifically prepared for it. Sale will no longer host jumps races, and Pakenham will phase out jumps racing by 2025.
  • Nominations and Venue Changes: If a race meeting includes jumps races and cannot proceed as scheduled, the jumps races will be cancelled rather than transferred.
  • Track Compliance: Enhanced track preparation compliance regimes and checklist processes will be implemented.
  • Jumps Trials Improvements: Jumps trials will increase in competitiveness to better replicate race conditions, with larger field sizes and adjusted trial distances.
  • Alternative Trial Venues: Use of additional venues like Terang and Hamilton for trials to distribute wear and optimise conditions.
  • Formal Schooling Days: Introduction of formal schooling sessions at appropriate venues like Ballarat and Cranbourne to better prepare horses and jockeys.
  • Jumps Jockey Coaching: Engagement of a former jumps jockey as a Jumps Jockey Coach to mentor current jockeys.
  • Hurdle Adjustments: Permanent adoption of loosened straps on hurdles after successful trials.
  • Obstacle Placement: Strategic placement of jumps obstacles at each venue to enhance safety.
  • Financial Oversight: Establishment of an RV working group to examine the financial performance of jumps racing, including cost reductions and funding opportunities.

    • Racing Victoria’s Chairman, Tim Eddy, expressed gratitude and outlined the organisation’s commitment to safety and sustainability:

    “After careful consideration of the findings and recommendations presented by the Jumps Review Group and the Executive, the Racing Victoria Board has resolved to continue jumps racing alongside a suite of new safety and operational improvements.

    “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.

    “To ensure we deliver on the adopted recommendations, Racing Victoria will now establish a Jumps Taskforce to oversee their execution. This group will monitor jumps racing’s performance and will report directly to the RV Board, as we strive for improvement.

    “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.

    “We are committed to ensuring jumps racing continues to evolve, with safety, integrity, and sustainability at the forefront of every decision we make.”

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