FRI 8th OCT

We would like to thank racing participants and stakeholders for their support over the last week for the unforeseen decision for jumps racing to cease in SA due to economic reasons.

The AJRA submitted a financial proposal to Racing SA on Wednesday for Oakbank Racing Club - expecting a personal response by the 18th of October.

After receiving the decision from RACING SA that their initial response was not to be reversed the AJRA will move forward with purpose in working with Racing Victoria to strengthen the Jumps racing Calendar in Victoria.

The 150 year history at Oakbank which includes the Harry D. Young Hurdle,Von Doussa Steeple and the Great Eastern Steeplechase will not reside at Oakbank Racing Club and the AJRA will ensure that the names of these races continue to be a part of jumps racing history. Re-invigorated into a new format which will engage participants.

We now move to working with Racing Victoria, Country Racing Victoria and participating clubs to strengthen the current program for 2022.

The committee are also working productively to create new history to be a part of jumps racing's future. This will include a number of initiatives which members and participants will be able to be a part of.

'With our best year of positive outcomes - the Victorian jumps racing industry and it's participants can start focusing on how we can solidify the next 20 years of jumps racing in this state" states Marlee Horobin, General Manager

"We all have to work together and use this passion as a purpose to honour the current trailblazers of the sport and cement a pathway for future careers. We can only focus and amplify what we can control"

As part of the care and due diligence for SA participants the AJRA will also be contacting and supporting jumps trainers in South Australia and will work with these people individually with interest of horses and owners in mind.

Participant and equine welfare surrounding the current registered jumps horses and their trainers creating pathways for them to engage in the Victorian program is the first step for the AJRA.

The AJRA is a non for profit organisation supporting Racing Victoria and we would like to ask participants to support us by becoming a member which ultimately drives outcomes for our sport.

A full members report will be created and sent via print to our paid members at the end of 2021.

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A MEMBER

Some highlights for 2020.

• Safest year of jumps racing since 2001

• 82% reduction in falls since the One Fit hurdles have been reinstated

• 95% participation rate of jockey up skilling

• over 200 + retired horses now on the AJRA jumps racing Life After Jumps Racing database.

• AJRA club beautification project for participating clubs in progress in anticipation for the launch of the 2022 Jumps Racing Season.

• Wagering Turnover on Jumps Racing is strong and comparable to last year which saw a significant increase on the year before.

• 3 NEW hurdles lanes at Seymour Racing Club, Geelong Racing Club & Wangaratta Racing Club to assist trainers with schooling of horses.

• A 3 year sponsorship with Pakenham Racing Club to increase engagement for feature jumps racing days.

• An increase in membership from 2020 to 2021 of 22%

• Significant financial investment by Racing Victoria into new RV approved steeples to be delivered prior to the Warrnambool Carnival in 2022.

• $10,000 Ground Staff Awards program