RSPCA Victoria calls for a ban on jumps racing

The RSPCA is opposed to jumps racing (steeplechasing and hurdling) because of the high risk of injury and death. 12 horses died throughout the 2024 season at trials, on race days and following participation in jumps events.

RSPCA Victoria needs your help! We are calling on the Victorian Government to ban jumps racing but we need the support of the community.

Jumps racing poses many welfare risks to racehorses which can result in significant pain, injury, distress and death. Thoroughbred jumps racing involves horses jumping either hurdle or steeple obstacles at least one metre high. Jumps races are at least 3km long (1km or more than flat races) and, in addition to clearing obstacles, horses are required to carry heavier weights than for flat races. Furthermore, jumping in a pack over obstacles also places horses at risk of collision with each other.

The key horse welfare risks posed by jumps racing are:

1. Deaths due to catastrophic injuries
2. Non-fatal injuries
3. Fatigue
4. Impact of falls and collisions
5. Use of whips
6. Poor performers forced to race

Victoria is the only state or territory in Australia where jumps racing continues.

• Horse injuries occurred at a rate of 68.9 per 1000 starts in jumps races compared with 18.8 per 1000 starts in flat races in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
• The risk of trauma was 4 times more likely in hurdle and steeplechase races and the risk of lameness was increased by 2.5 times in hurdles and 5.1 times in steeplechase races compared with flat races.

The inherent risk of injury and death cannot be mitigated and therefore jumps racing should not continue.

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