October
JuneUnreasonable risk
As a horse lover and Australian Jumps Racing Association member, I wondered if Racing Victoria or the AJRA would consider removing the final hurdle at Casterton, which was approximately 150 metres before the winning post at the meeting on May 21.
I wouldn’t normally make a suggestion along these lines because often I think there are too few jumps at some venues.
For example, the Great Eastern Steeple at Oakbank has such a long run home after the last obstacle that it can change the result of the race — it may have cost Undergroundfighter the Great Eastern. Also, too few obstacles encourages higher traveling speeds.
But it was upsetting to see tired horses Wee Frankie and Hale Soriano, straining, giving the best of their ability but falling in hurdle races at the jump very close to the winning post on May 21.
The risk to horse and rider is magnified so close to the post when both are at 110-percent exertion.
By all means retain a jump in the home straight (it is a jumps race, after all!) but perhaps Casterton has proved that a second jump so close to the post adds unreasonable risk to the event.
Modbury (SA)