I guess you could say that I have a bit of a bee in my bonnet at the moment and therefore feel the need to offload my feelings onto other racing fans.
It’s the middle of the jump racing season in the southern hemisphere at the moment, and as always, there is the barrage of criticism from snippets of the general populous.
I live in the UK at the moment, where jump racing is probably more popular than ever.
The Grand National Steeple, which is held here at Aintree near Liverpool at the beginning of April each year, has seen its ups and downs over the years.
However, this year saw a renewed enthusiasm for this iconic event.
It still has many critics who believe that this event is cruel and therefore should be banned. But I can’t help but feel that after this year’s race, the voices of opposition were a little less obvious than in previous years.
It was run in perfect weather and the brilliance of the horses that just seem to glide over the jumps with the cacophony of sounds that can be heard from horse and rider is a marvel to behold.
The equivalent event in Australia is now the Grand National Steeple held at Sandown in Melbourne on July 28th. My expecatations are that this historic event will still be acknowledged as one of the highlights of the Australian racing calendar.
The legend that is “Crisp,” who was probably Australia’s best ever horse over the jumps, is still revered here in the UK for his outstanding performance in the 1973 Grand National.
I often watch televised races here in England and his name is mentioned in many conversations, even at such events as this year’s Epsom Derby. He is without doubt one of Australia’s best ever exports to the UK.
Crisp’s inauguration into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame earlier this year has cemented his place in the history books.
Unfortunately, we have already seen the loss of the Hiskens Steeple at Moonee Valley, which was a race that Crisp excelled in before he went to the UK
Let’s not see the other big feature jump races go the same way.
Jump racing should still remain a big part of the fabric of thoroughbred racing in Australia. It’s such a spectacle to watch and a part of history that does not deserve to be abandoned to satisfy the unenlightened few.
Stuart McGinley
Guest
There does seem to be a bit more interest of late in the sport. Now that Bashboy may be aimed at a stint in the UK after his second Grand National Steeple win perhaps there is now a chance of jump racing being given more credit. I for one would love to see an Australian entrant in next years English Grand National. This could be the impetus required for a renewed affection for this amazing spectacle and keep the sport alive for future generations.
William Gratton
Guest
How good to see black and bent wining the grand national today , pity there weren't more starters still a great spectical , I dont think it will rate a mention in the news good news stories on jumps racing never get shown long live jumps racing .
Tim
Guest
A very well written and sensible article. Long live jumps racing!
Rosie
Guest
Well ... not as important to some as flat racing but does play a huge role in many trainers stables; however most jumps trainers have flat horses as well and I think because of our low stakes its more of a passion than a business - but there is always the chance that one of their horses will make it to Aus to earn the bikkies. Also at least one has, in the past, been taken from here to England [Grey Warbler]
Stuart
Guest
I know that jump racing has alawys been popular in New Zealand. Over the years many good trainers including the late Theo Howe have brought their skills and passion to Australia and contributed greatly to the sport. Indeed many jockeys from NZ too have been instrumental in safeguarding the preservation of the sport in Australia and for that we are very greatful. I imagine in NZ it's a little like the jump racing here in the UK where it is considered every bit as important as flat racing?
Rosie
Guest
I am so thrilled that jump racing is finally getting good press -there is nothing quite like the spectacle of a bold brave jumper attacking his fences with relish - horses love to jump! None of you have mentioned NewZealand jumps races we have a full winter programme of races in both Islands with the feature in the north being the Great Northen at Ellerslie and the Grand National at Riccarton in the South
Stuart
Guest
Thanks Nick for your comment!!!!
Stuart
Guest
Yes Justin, As you rightly say it can prolong a racehorses life and this is often overlooked by many people who just dismiss the sport as cruel and barbaric. I am glad to hear too that the RVL are investing in it's future and more of the well recognised top trainers are keen to participate in it. During my father's time as a jump jockey in the 60's and 70's, top trainers such as Bart Cummings and Colin Hayes which he rode for on many occasions were keen advocates of this discipline of racing and maybe now we are seeing a return to those glory days of the sport.
Nick
Guest
Perfectly written article. The last line says it all.
Alfred Chan
Expert
I thought this year's Warnambool carnival was excellent. Probably the best I've seen in terms of weather and turnout. Most importantly, it was the most controvery-free carnival I can remember. Jumps racing has received a healthy injection on two fronts. Firstly, Victoria's new premier is a big fan which makes a substantial difference. The second is that it is receiving attention from powerhouse stables now. Gai Waterhouse took out her jumps license earlier in the year and Peter Moody won his first jumps race a few weeks ago. We're even getting quite a few internationals jumps jockey's down here.
Justin Cinque
Expert
Jumps racing has a place in Australia - it gives older horses a purpose in life that they may not otherwise have. So it's definitely worth persevering with especially while Racing Victoria pump time and money into its future and safety. Our jumps racing still has a way to go but I thought this year's Grand Annual at the 'Bool was a fantastic race - probably the best Auusie jumps race I can remember seeing. And the Grand National at Aintree was worth staying up for a couple of months ago as well - it was a great spectacle thankfully free of any controversy.
Stuart
Guest
No of course the weather doesn't have much to do with it but that was my observation......maybe cruel in your opinion....but not in mine! We all have the right to voice our opinion. I get the feeling that whatever I say you will not change your mind so on that note I will agree to disagree.
peeeko
Roar Guru
the fact that the race was run in perfect weather and the way that horses glide of the fences does nothing to change the fact that it is still a cruel sport