After the deaths of 20 horses over the past two years in steeplechase and hurdle racing in the Australian state of Victoria, it has been decided that both types of racing will be banned at some point in 2010
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According to a report by the BBC, the decision follows a comprehensive review of the sport. The article states that steeplechase events in Victoria will go on for another year in an attempt to soften the impact of their abolition on those involved.
Animal rights groups are reportedly welcoming the news, while industry participants have been cited as referring to the news as 'unbelievable' and 'appalling.'
The report states that South Australia will be continuing its steeplechase and hurdle racing.
Click here to the read the BBC article in its entirety.
(With files from the BBC)