Java Star falls at Oakbank. Source: Patrick Gorbunovs/ Sunday Mail
Why is the last hurdle seemingly hardest to conquer?
It’s been 20 years since a Senate Committee report first recommended that State Governments phase out jumps racing, yet South Australia continues to lag behind.
Although the majority of Australian states have banned jumps racing, SA is living in the dark ages on this issue, continuing to allow legalised horse cruelty.
The much-publicised death of Java Star in the first jumps race at Oakbank on Saturday is a blatant reminder that jumps racing injures and kills.
The Victorian example speaks volumes. Statistics collated over 15 years from 1989 to 2004 show that of the 514 fatalities over that period, the risk of a fatality in jump racing was almost 19 times higher, while head, back or neck injuries were 121 times more likely and catastrophic limb injuries 18 times more common.
There’s no point sugar coating this issue. Jumps racing is legalised cruelty and horses and jockeys alike face serious injuries and even death as part of this so-called “sport”.
Animal rights groups including the RSPCA and the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses are on point in calling for a ban and we can join them by protesting with our wallets.
The Greens called on consumers to show their disgust ahead of the Easter weekend by refusing to bet at the Oakbank races.
Now the Government needs to take a stand on this issue and support the move to cruelty free racing carnivals.
It’s time for the final hurdle to fall, bringing an end to jump racing – and with it continuing horse cruelty – once and for all.
Tammy's Blog 