Renewed call for ban on jumps racing by Coalition for the Protection of Race Horses after fall

Coalition for the Protection of Race Horses campaign director Elio Celotto expressed his sadness after Sir Isaac Newton was euthanised after a fall in race three.

"It's terrible news," Mr Celotto said.

"Jumps racing has proved time and time again that it can't be made safe."

Mr Celotto accused Premier Daniel Andrews and Racing Minister Martin Pakula of having blood on their hands by failing to follow the lead of NSW by banning jumps racing.

"We continue to call on the state government to ban the sport," Mr Celotto said.

"There is such a high risk of injury. Even if they don't die on the track there is a high likelihood they will be injured and put down afterwards."

Mr Celotto said he and other coalition members were disappointed they were unable to have their voices heard at the track this year.

"We were going to do everything we possibly could to get there but we were warned not to be there," he said.

"We were told we would be dealt with by police."

Mr Celotto said it was unfortunate coalition members could not be at the track, but what was more unfortunate was that jumps racing had not been banned.

"Horses are being pushed beyond their physical limits," he said.

"We have been monitoring the races online and we will be back at the racetrack as soon as we can."

Mr Celotto has been campaigning to have jumps racing banned for 13 years.

Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick has urged south-west residents to write to local MPs and the Racing Minister to demand the sport be banned.

"Jumps racing is a disgrace and a stain on so-called progressive Victoria. Every year, horses continue to die, and the Victorian Government ignores their suffering."

"This is yet another example of a magnificent creature being pushed beyond their natural limit, and paying the ultimate price. Their life."

"While the state is distracted and in isolation, the most gruelling jumps race on the calendar took place, claiming the life of yet another innocent horse. We simply cannot let the cruelty of jumps racing to unnoticed, or let Sir Isaac Newton's death be in vain."

"The Andrews Government is claiming they will modernise Victoria's animal cruelty laws this term, but our animal cruelty laws will never be modern as long as they allow jumps racing."

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.