Monday, 30 November 2009: The Australian Jumps Racing Association and supporters will meet today to discuss tactics as to how to overturn a decision to end jumps racing after next season.
Racing Victoria made the decision late last week and the backlash, according to the AJRA, has been overwhelming.
RVL cited declining participation and an unacceptably high fatality rate as key triggers to ending the sport following next season.
Jumps racing participants believe they have been hamstrung to meaningful change and believe RVL have turned their backs on thousands in Victorians involved in the sport.
AJRA president Rodney Rae believes if the decision is not overturned the decline in the sport will have wide ranging ramifications flowing through many facets and industries, especially in regional Victoria.
Rae said the industry has been thrust into a civil war and today will discuss strategy to overturn the decision, which could include legal action and a push for a vote of no confidence in the RVL board.

 | | Posted by Emma Silverthorn, on 3-12-2009 7:42:14 AM
AJRA is concerned only with the money to be made from this "sport"-the safety of horses and jockeys is of little significance to them. ”
|
|
 | | Posted by WJL, on 3-12-2009 1:54:46 AM
I hope there are protests infront of the slaughter houses also.I am sure those horses,cows sheep and chickens, that I am sure most on here eat,are all being cared for the same as what racehorses are.Dont think so ”
|
|
 | | Posted by Mantank, on 2-12-2009 8:01:11 PM
Samantha Overy - the beginners error in your argument is that whilst it is quite clear that the bull and bear would rather not be there, horses by nature enjoy galloping and jumping. A horse that does not want to gallop or jump will not do so.
Your point regarding juvenile racing is far more sensible however. ”
|
|
 | | Posted by Luna, on 2-12-2009 4:34:41 PM
The use of animals in sport to make profit is wrong on all levels! Good on the Board of Racing Victoria for implementing a ban on jump racing! Lets hope Australia leads the way in the banning of Horse sports for profit for the whole world! Luna. UK ”
|
|
 | | Posted by Pamela., on 2-12-2009 3:38:44 PM
It''s only the few who stand to profit from this outmoded ''sport'' that will complain the loudest. In fact I wouldn''t be surprised if some sort of ''encouragement'' will be offered in an effort to overturn the ban. It''s all dirty money anyway because it comes from the suffering and deaths of the poor creatures who don''t ask to be run to death in the first place merely for the entertainment of a few shallow but greedy individuals. ”
|
|
 | | Posted by Samantha Overy, on 2-12-2009 2:27:49 PM
In this modern age it is time for progressive countries to lead the way and show that animal cruelty in the form of entertainment is not acceptable. Spain has bullfighting, Pakistan has bear-baiting both of which are archaic and illegal in Australia. Most Australians find THAT sort of cruelty unacceptable and it is not tolerated by us but racing horses too young and also in a mode which is dangerous and detrimental to them is commonplace. Racing horses so young when their leg bones are not set properly is not acceptable to me and nor should it be to this industry. Racing these same horses at a flat gallop over jumps is like cornering in your car without using the brakes,dangerous,irresponsible and likely to cause serious injury if not death. It is time we stopped causing injury and death to horses inthe name of entertainment and financial gain. It never has been to me, but in 2009 this is no longer acceptable and we need to use our ''superior'' intellect to show that we are indeed superior. ”
|
|
 | | Posted by Bush, on 30-11-2009 3:34:20 PM
Well said Craig, common sense...... ”
|
|
 | | Posted by Craig, on 30-11-2009 11:26:48 AM
Some small suggestions for the AJRA. Do not go about denigrating the people against you. They have outflanked you, denigrating them only emphasises the fact you lost. Secondly, RVL have taken the big emotional step to break the relationship off. You are further behind the eightball then ever. You have to be able to show an economic case for reinstatement. Economics are now a very valid criteria for the RVL, the emotive connection to you has been broken. Can you show that? Think about that before you commence very expensive court action. ”
|
|