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Jockey injured in return of jumps racing

Posted on May 21, 2009, 1:01pm and updated on May 22, 2009 at 8:14 am

Hurdle fall

Jockey Alexandra O’Sullivan was injured when Cash Advance fell in the hurdle event at Mount Gambier.

A jockey was injured in the hurdle event at Mount Gambier today, but the horse was unharmed as jumps racing returned to Australian tracks.

Race four on the card, a steeplechase, passed without incident.

Jumps racing was temporarily suspended in Victoria after three horses died in the Grand Annual Steeple carnival at Warrnambool earlier this month.

Racing Victoria lifted the ban after intense lobbying from jumps racing interests and despite protests from animal welfare activists.

Although unaffected by Victorian regulations, the Mount Gambier hurdle today was the first since Racing Victoria’s decision.

A field of 11 horses entered the opening event of the meeting.

Cash Advance fell at the third last hurdle, injuring O’Sullivan, who was attended by paramedics at the course and taken to Mount Gambier Hospital.

Mybigfatgreekhorse won the race, paying $1.60 on the TAB.

Two horses pulled out of the steeplechase during the race, but the runners were untroubled over the jumps.

Reach won the steeple at 15 – 1 on the tote.

South Australian jumps racing continues

Meanwhile, the 2009 South Australian jumps racing season will continue as normal following today’s meeting of the board of Thoroughbred Racing SA.

The industry’s controlling body reviewed Racing Victoria’s to lift the suspension on jumps racing in that state and the subsequent safety initiatives.

TRSA chief executive Jim Watters said the board had also discussed the Racing Minister’s request for a review into jumps racing in South Australia and consideration of the RVL’s safety initiatives.

“As part of our role as the controlling body for horse racing, we are continually assessing and evaluating the safety of riders and horses in jumps racing across the state,” Mr Watters said.

“As part of that ongoing process, a Jumps Racing Review Panel was established following the Oakbank Carnival in April to monitor the performance of horses, riders and facilities.

“The panel is working in consultation with TRSA stewards and will be making a full report to the board.

“Part of their role will also include a full analysis of the safety initiatives proposed by RVL to assess whether any are appropriate for South Australia.”

Mr Watters said the board’s decision had been made in the interests of the wider South Australian racing industry.

“While this has become a very emotive issue, it is important to realise that South Australian jumps racing is different from Victorian jumps racing,” he said.

“Our style of hurdle is slightly different to what is used in Victoria and is regarded by riders and the industry in general as a safer option.

“Having said that, we are always analysing any work or research that is being undertaken around the world to help further improve safety levels.”

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Comments

5 Responses to “Jockey injured in return of jumps racing”

  1. Ebony Jackson on May 21st, 2009 4:23 pm 1

    Horse racing is a dangeous activity for people and animals.
    it is an extreme sport.
    I don’t get it.
    A waste of money.
    An excuse to drink obscene amounts of alcohol and gamble.
    Never mind the social problems or the burden for emergency services.

  2. Pyrrho on May 21st, 2009 10:07 pm 2

    Here’s a little experiment Ebony.
    Substitute “football” or “rugby” for horse racing in your last post
    I some how suspect these two to be far worse for the community in general than the nag drags.

  3. Jeff on May 22nd, 2009 1:50 pm 3

    doesnt matter what sport or activity you play, there will be injuries.
    footy players get knocked out, broken legs, long term injuries. are they going to ban footy?

  4. Jaydos on May 25th, 2009 10:13 pm 4

    Jeff, difference is race horses don’t choose to be race horses. Footy players choose to play footy.
    Plus, if you break your ankle playing footy, you don’t get put down!!!

  5. Jeff on May 26th, 2009 7:50 am 5

    Jaydos, i dont mind jumps, years ago jumps were slow and about height of the jump, now they go too fast and brush through the jump. jumps shouldnt be banned, they need to be slowed down and jump higher.

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