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'It's barbaric': SA sports minister wants jumps ban

South Australia's sports minister Leon Bignell has renewed his call for a ban on jumps racing following the death of a horse at Oakbank on Saturday.

Five-year-old gelding Wheeler Fortune had to be put down after a sickening fall in front of thousands of spectactors.

"It's time for all the trainers and jockeys who are against jumps racing to speak up and have it banned," Bignell said.

"It's nothing short of disgusting. It's just awful, it's barbaric and it doesn't belong in the 21st century.

"If the people who run horse racing in SA think this is a good look for racing, then they’ll oversee the death of the sport overall."

Once one horse fell, others went with it. Pic: Channel 7
Once one horse fell, others went with it. Pic: Channel 7

Thoroughbred Racing SA has not responded to the minister's comments today, though chair Frances Nelson yesterday defended the sport.

"People understand that horses are competitive animals and accidents happen," Nelson said.

Protestors will be keeping close eyes on two more jumps races at Oakbank on Monday.