Photos used on this campaign are licensed under Creative Commons
The Issue
The RSPCA strongly opposes jumps racing. Horses are subjected to a dangerous sport where they are required to jump over many fences at speed, while running long distances. As a result, jumps horses are highly susceptible to horrific falls, injuries and death.
Illogical races
Jumps have proven to be deadly for horses and dangerous for jockeys. Horses need to clear obstacles at least a metre high, in a pack, at speed, and over long distances.
Odds-on suffering
Jumps race injuries cause considerable pain and stress to the horse. Sometimes injuries can be so severe the horse will either die or require euthanasia.
Jumps will never be safe
Despite modifications to jumps and efforts to make racing safer, horses have continued to die. The RSPCA believes the time has come for jumps racing to stop.
Jumps racing deaths in Victoria and South Australia since 2009
The following figures are likely an underestimate, as deaths during trials and training, or deaths that may occur days after a racing fall, are not recorded in official statistics.
| Year | Victoria | South Australia | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 10 | 3 | 13 |
| 2010 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 2011 | 6 | 5 | 11 |
| 2012 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| 2013 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 2014 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| 2015 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| 2016 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 2017 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 2018 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| 2019 | TBC | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 48 | 18 | 66 |
Take Action
Jumps racing currently only takes place in South Australia and Victoria, but may not be actually be prohibited by law in other states and territories.
If you’d like to enquire about jumps racing in your state/territory, you should contact your responsible Minister for Racing: