JUMPS racing had its second fatality for the 2013 season when the Warrnambool-trained Reckless Rat was euthanised after jumping awkwardly in a 3450-metre steeplechase at Warrnambool yesterday.
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Jockey Shane Jackson rode Reckless Rat in the $20,000 race.
He said the horse landed awkwardly at a fence in the Brierly paddock before he immediately pulled it up.
Racing Victoria chairman of stewards Rob Montgomery said the matter would be handled by the Jumps Racing Review Panel.
“We think Reckless Rat may have fractured his front right knee but we will have a clearer picture after an autopsy is done on the horse at the Werribee Veterinary Clinic,” Montgomery said.
“The Jumps Racing Review Panel will access all matters regarding the incident.”
Scenic Buzz was the first jumps fatality for the season when he fell in a steeplechase at Sandown in April.
Animal activists are continuing their call for Premier Denis Napthine to step in and end jumps racing in Victoria.
They are planning a protest in the Bourke Street Mall at lunchtime today.