RACING Minister Martin Pakula has thrown his support behind jumps racing despite calls for the sport to be banned after two horse deaths at the May Racing Carnival.
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Two horses, Cliff’s Dream and Tuscan Fire, were euthanised after sustaining injuries in jumps races on Tuesday and Wednesday. They were the first deaths at the carnival since 2011.
“That certainly won’t be happening,” Mr Pakula said of a potential ban.
“Of course the two fatalities are terribly unfortunate. No-one wants to see that happen and I can say without contradiction the Warrnambool community and racing people would be most upset that it has happened.
“This carnival hasn’t had a carnival fatality since 2011. The safety of jumps racing has improved markedly since 2009.
“I know that Racing Victoria will do everything they can to make jumps racing as safe as humanly possible.”
About six anti-jumps racing protesters from the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses made their feelings about the sport clear.
Spokesman Ward Young said the group wasn’t disheartened as they watched thousands of people enter the course
“Our resolve is unwavering, we won’t stand down,” Mr Young said.
“But we are disappointed, we called on the Premier (Daniel Andrews) and the Racing Minister to ban jumps racing last week, that has fallen on deaf ears.
“There is no doubt the Warrnambool carnival is the main attraction. We don’t want to see it get to the point where it’s on its knees. We want them to realise now jumps racing has no future.”
Police ejected one patron after he poured alcohol over the protesters.