Horse welfare in Victoria has returned to the centre of the Australian racing debate. RSPCA Victoria says analysis of publicly available information shows the 2026 jumps season recorded the highest injury rate in its dataset, and it has renewed its call for jumps racing to end.
What happened?
Victoria is now the only Australian state where jumps racing continues. RSPCA Victoria argues that measures introduced following Racing Victoria’s 2024 review have not resolved concerns about falls, injuries and fatalities. Its published 2026 record identifies two race-related fatalities: Rapid Impact and Karburan.
Why does it matter?
The issue is bigger than one racing discipline. It raises questions about evidence, transparency, acceptable risk and racing’s social licence. Where welfare organisations and racing authorities disagree about acceptable risk, accessible and independently understandable data becomes especially important.
The wider welfare picture
Racing Victoria says it invested $5.55 million in equine welfare during 2025–26 across post-racing support, injury prevention, veterinary operations and education. It also highlights advanced diagnostic imaging and post-racing programs as important parts of its welfare strategy.
Thoroughbred.Global view
Horse welfare should not be reduced to a contest between campaigners and the racing industry. The useful questions are whether reliable evidence shows risks are falling, whether remaining risks are acceptable, and whether the public can understand the underlying data. We will follow both the welfare outcomes and the industry response.
Sources: RSPCA Victoria · RSPCA fatalities record · Racing Victoria welfare update
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