‘The Fall of Scouting’ – Pakenham Racetrack, Saturday 16th July 2011

Another jumps racing debacle at Pakenham today

During the second jumps race for the day, Scouting fell violently on a hurdle towards the back of the racetrack. The 5-year-old gelding then ran frantically towards the other side of the racetrack where he launched himself over a fence, landing on his back with his legs in the air.

This occurred just metres away from where spectators were observing the race, a chilling reminder of the debacle only months earlier at Warrnambool where Banna Strand launched himself into a crowd of spectators injuring children and the elderly.

Ward Young, Communications Manager from The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses said today “This is yet another debacle which has occurred as a result of jumps racing.”

“7 dead horses, 18 falls, 5 people injured, one major debacle and now today a near miss.”

“Jumps racing has had more than enough chances and it cannot be made right. It is time for the cruel sport to end.”

“The incidents in jumps racing would be almost laughable if animals and people were not injured or killed.”

“It is time for the Baillieu government to step in and end this atrocity. Enough is enough. If it doesn’t we will target them fiercely at the next election.”

Contact:

Ward Young – Communications Manager
0419 861 029