Racing Victoria (RV) has today unveiled plans for its 2024 Jumps Racing Review, marking a significant departure from previous years due to heightened safety concerns following an increase in fatal incidents during the season.
Since the implementation of major safety improvements in 2010, the annual Jumps Review Panel has been pivotal in assessing Victoria’s jumps racing season, prioritising safety and participation. This year, however, RV has announced a more comprehensive approach, expanding the scope to include a holistic evaluation of various metrics.
Leading this expanded review is the newly formed Jumps Review Group (JRG), chaired by RV’s Executive General Manager – Integrity, Jamie Stier. Justice Jack Forrest, former Victorian Racing Integrity Board Chair and Supreme Court Judge, joins as an independent member. Their mandate includes examining the future viability of jumps racing in Victoria and proposing further safety enhancements.
Key areas of investigation for the JRG include:
- Assessing findings from the 2024 Jumps Review Panel.
- Reviewing broader equine welfare research to address jumps fatalities and injuries.
- Analysing trends in starters, field sizes, wagering, and industry participation.
- Evaluating club and track infrastructure to ensure racecourse durability and availability.
- Studying optimal track conditions and their impact on racing safety.
- Considering horse engagement, longevity, and career opportunities in jumps racing.
- Examining the role of jumps jockeys in the broader racing community.
- Reviewing financial implications for participants, clubs, and the Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Industry.
- Assessing community engagement and economic benefits associated with jumps racing events.
- Gauging public acceptance and its impact on thoroughbred racing’s appeal.
The JRG aims to deliver its comprehensive report and recommendations to the RV Executive by late November 2024. RV Chairman Tim Eddy emphasised the urgency of the review, acknowledging the tragic incidents of the past season and underscoring the commitment to ensuring the safety and sustainability of jumps racing in Victoria.
“The safety lapses observed in the 2024 jumps racing season are deeply concerning to everyone in the Victorian racing community. Despite significant strides made in previous years, recent setbacks necessitate a thorough reevaluation,” stated Chairman Eddy.
“The Jumps Review Group’s mandate is clear: to explore every facet of jumps racing, from safety protocols to community perceptions, leaving no stone unturned in our quest for improvement.”
The findings of this review will be pivotal in shaping the future of jumps racing in Victoria, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding both participants and the integrity of the sport.
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