Right: The Grand National Steeplechase at Aintree, England, is one of the world's most famous jumps races. Critics of Australian jumps racing say that Britain's racecourses are softer than the often-sun-baked Australian turf. They also claim that England's "steeplechasers" are bred for the role, while Australia's jumps racers are often failed "flat" racehorses.web links and documents
On January 19, 2009, The Canberra Times published a report of a recent study into health risks associated with being a jockey. The full text of this article can be found at http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/horse-racings-safety-hurdles-examined/1410192.aspxOn May 6, 2009, the animal rights group, Animals Australia, issued a media release criticising jumps racing in Victoria and referring specifically to the recent animal deaths. The piece also gives an overview of the organisation's opposition to jumps racing. The full text of this media release can be found at http://www.animalsaustralia.org/media/press_releases.php?release=116
On May 7, 2009, The Sydney Morning Herald published a news report outlining the recent deaths of horses in jumps races and the short-term ban. The text of the article can be found at http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/horseracing/rising-toll-could-be-the-death-of-jumps/2009/05/06/1241289238721.html
On May 16, 2009, The Bendigo Advertiser published a letter explaining why its writer believed jumps racing should not be banned.
The full text of the opinion piece can be found at http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/news/opinion/letters/general/jumps-racing-must-be-saved/1514567.aspx
On May 16, 2009, The Bendigo Advertiser published another letter which was highly critical of the jumps race industry. The full text of this opinion piece can be found at http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/news/opinion/letters/general/excuses-for-jumps-racing-ungrounded/1520703.aspx?storypage=1
On May 18, 2009, the ABC broadcast a news report outlining Racing Victoria Limited's decision to lift the ban on jumps racing. The full text of this report can be found at http://abc.com.au/news/stories/2009/05/18/2573810.htm
On May 22, 2009, The Australian Jumping Racing Association published an editorial supporting Racing Victoria Limited's decision to lift the ban on jumps racing and supporting the proposed reforms. The full text of the editorial can be found at http://www.racingvictoria.net.au/news/JR/n_AJRA_May_Jumping_Informer.aspx