Voices of Victoria: Your say on spring racing carnival and jumps racing

The Spring Racing Carnival is in full swing, and while some punters love the chance to dress up and have a bet, others fear for the horses’ safety.

Horses racing at Flemington Racecourse in 2021. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

There’s been no shortage of controversy surrounding the Spring Racing Carnival in recent years, with anti-racing protesters jeering racegoers outside the gates of Flemington in 2019, shouting “horse abusers” and “shame” as punters headed to the track.

And jumps racing has also come under fire, with the RSPCA strongly opposed to the sport where horses are required to jump over many fences at speed, while running long distances.

In this week’s Voices of Victoria poll, we asked people what they thought of the Spring Racing Carnival, and if they believed jumps racing should be banned.

Tony Lasco, Essendon

Tony Lasco from Essendon, Voices of Victoria. Picture: Adam Daunt

Tony Lasco from Essendon believes the Spring Racing Carnival is an important part of Melbourne’s sporting calendar.

Here’s what he had to say:

“I think it is excellent,” he said.

“I think it is the best thing, especially because Moonee Valley residents have missed out the last two years (due to Covid).

“I go to Moonee Valley race meets on Friday nights and you can just tell in the lead up to the Spring Racing Carnival they’re looking forward to the Cox Plate, Melbourne Cup and other spring racing events.”

Tammy Bickers, Warrnambool

Voices of Victoria: Tammy Bickers

Tammy Bickers from Warrnambool said the Spring Racing Carnival should remain the same.

“No I think leave it the way it’s always been,” she said.

“It has culture, tradition, and everyone’s getting a little serious these days and trying to change things.

“It’s not worth throwing away at all.”