Racing Victoria (RV) wishes to advise of changes and enhancements relating to the 2019 jumps racing season following recommendations received from the Jumps Review Panel (JRP).
Following a review of the 2018 season and consultation with stakeholders, the JRP made a series of recommendations which have been endorsed by the RV Board.
The following enhancements will be implemented for the upcoming season:
- Local Rule 62 (8) has been amended to require a track rating no better than a Soft 5 (replacing a Good 4) for jumps races and trials;
- As previously communicated when the 2019 jumps program was released in January, the 2019 jumps racing season will conclude in August, rather than September. This decision was made to remove the risk of meetings being conducted on firm tracks in September;
- A Rider Skills Coach will be engaged by RV to provide hands-on coaching and training to riders; review rides and falls; and provide feedback and reports to the JRP. The Rider Skills Coach will be required to attend trials and races throughout the season;
- Local Rules will be amended to require horses to trial over 2800m (replacing 2400m) if they qualified in the prior season but did not have a race start. Trialling horses over a longer distance may aid the JRP in determining the suitability of a horse to race;
- Field sizes for all jumps races, other than races worth $50,000 or more, will be reduced from 12 to 10 runners per race. This restriction will apply to 39 races across the season.
RV General Manager - International and Racing Operations, Paul Bloodworth, said, “It is important that we continually review and strive for the best possible safety standards in our jumps races. These enhancements and changes to be implemented for the upcoming season are designed to further improve the safety of jumps racing in Victoria.
“The Jumps Review Panel was of the view that ensuring a softer minimum track rating would assist in decreasing the risks of falls, whilst the restrictions on field limits for races worth less than $50,000 recognises that these are often less experienced jumpers so a smaller field would be more advantageous for them.”
The 2019 jumps racing season will begin at Warrnambool on Thursday, 14 March with a total of 61 jumps races – 39 hurdles and 22 steeplechases – programmed across autumn and winter.
Click here to view the full 2019 Victorian jumps racing program.