THE Victorian Greens have called for an investigation into last month’s Mosstrooper Steeplechase at Bendigo where 14 horses were injured, five of which were declared lame and one was euthanised at the track.
Upper house MLC Sue Pennicuik raised the matter in parliament and demanded racing minister Martin Pakula launch an investigation into the July 22 meet.
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The future of jumps racing will form part of the Greens’ platform as the party targets Northern Victoria for its first regional seat, with Bendigo as the seat’s heartland.
The meet featured six races – three 3200 metres, and three 3600 metres. The gelding Something to Share was euthanised after colliding with the twelfth obstacle in Race 6.
It was the first fatality at the event since it was transferred to Bendigo seven years ago.
Racing Victoria later declared the meeting had been prepared in accordance with guidelines, but was open to discussing moving it to a softer track, such as Warrnambool.
Ms Pennicuik said the meeting should have been cancelled when five horses fell in the first two events following warnings that the track was too firm.
“It has put profits before animal welfare,” she told parliament.
Ms Pennicuik believed many in country Victoria were opposed to jumps racing and denied suggestions the position could harm the party’s Northern Victoria vote.
“It’s the same with duck shooting – the issue is portrayed as if everyone in regional Victoria holds the same view in favour of jumps racing,” she said.
“If you watch a jumps racing meet, whenever a horse loses its rider it will never jump over the jumps. It has to be forced to.
“We shouldn’t be making money on animal cruelty.”
Last week, the Bendigo Jockey Club stated it had “acted within the parameters that have been issued through Racing Victoria” and that trainers were happy with the track.
The club did not respond to a request for comment regarding the Greens’ call for an investigation.
The government has 30 days to respond to the Greens.
A government spokesperson said jumps racing decisions were a matter for Racing Victoria, which would take its guidance from the Jumps Review Panel.
The government claimed there had been an average of 2.5 horse fatalities per season from 2010 to 2018, since “safety enhancements” had been introduced. From 2002 to 2009, there was an average of 8.4 fatalities per season.
Jumps have also been modified in recent years, along with stricter horse qualifications standards.
Adam Holmes
From Adelaide to south-west Victoria, Bendigo to Tasmania, I've provided in-depth stories in politics, environmental affairs, issues facing disadvantaged communities, legal affairs and much more. Contact me at adam.holmes@examiner.com.au or on Twitter at @adamholmes010
From Adelaide to south-west Victoria, Bendigo to Tasmania, I've provided in-depth stories in politics, environmental affairs, issues facing disadvantaged communities, legal affairs and much more. Contact me at adam.holmes@examiner.com.au or on Twitter at @adamholmes010
