The Victorian jumps racing program has been released by Racing Victoria with less races programmed along with a cut to prize money.
In total 57 jumps races have been programmed for the 2025 season which will commence at Warrnambool on March 28 and end with the Grand National Steeplechase meeting at Ballarat on August 17.
The breakdown of the jump’s races will be 36 hurdle races and 21 over the steeplechase fences and with the exception of the Warrnambool three-day Carnival in May, all races will be run on Sundays throughout the jumps season.
And with the consolidation of the program, there will be no jumps races held at Sale and Pakenham will cease as a jump’s venue after the running of their Warrnambool lead-up fixture on April 13.
RV will provide $3.81 million in prize money for the season, a reduction of $1 million on last year, stemming from less programmed races and a reduction in feature race prize money, although minimum prize money levels will be maintained at $35,000.
The Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool on May 1 and the Grand National Steeplechase remain the richest races with RV providing $350,000 in prize money for each, however in addition to RV’s investment, Ecycle Solutions has committed $50,000 per year towards the Grand National Steeplechase for the next three years which will see that race run for $400,000.
The Grand National Hurdle at Sandown on August 3 has been allocated $250,000 while Warrnambool Carnival features of the Brierly Steeplechase and Galleywood Hurdle have each been assigned $150,000.
Further safety and operational enhancements to be adopted in 2025 include strengthened jumps track compliance processes, increased competitiveness of trials to better educate horses and participants and the introduction of a former jumps jockey to provide coaching and support to jumps jockeys.
RV Head of Racing Paul Bloodworth said the release of the program for the 2025 season had been made with the long-term sustainability of jumps racing at the forefront of decision making.
“While there has been a decrease in the overall prize money allocated, we have prioritised maintaining minimum prize money levels to support participants at the grassroots level,” Bloodworth said.
“We are committed to ensuring jumps racing continues to evolve with safety, integrity and sustainability being our key focus areas and I would like to extend my thanks to the AJRA and the participating race clubs, for their assistance throughout this process.
“I would also like to extend my gratitude to Ecycle Solutions for their significant prize money contribution to the Grand National Steeplechase, which enhances their already substantial sponsorship of jumps racing.”
