Progress & Improvements in safety measures & popularity of Jumps Racing.

Jumps racing enjoys a long and esteemed history in Victoria with the annual Warrnambool May Racing Carnival a pinnacle of country racing nationwide.

Following a major reset after the 2009 season, jumps racing has been regenerated in Victoria with an unwavering focus from Racing Victoria stakeholders on the safety of all participants.

In recent years we had the highest number of horses compete in a season since the reset and field sizes continue to increase into the 2023 season.

The introduction of new One-Fit Hurdles, designed to further improve safety for horse and rider, saw 2021 achieve the lowest fall rate in history – down 66% on the 10-year average.

There are 19 jumps racing meetings – six exclusively for jumps riders – programmed in 2023 across eight racetracks. RV is proposing to retain jumps racing throughout the next decade and program races at those tracks currently conducting meetings subject to appropriate safety standards being maintained, Club support, and the availability of venues and horses.

RV is open to increasing the number of races conducted within the existing season window of March to August, subject to the support of owners and trainers in growing the jumping population. A trend towards race meetings conducted exclusively with jumps and highweight races will continue should participation numbers warrant it.