Jumps racing Victoria has claimed it’s second life – with the death of “The Black Oak” a 7yo gelding trained by Ciaron Maher.

The trial comments report that he fractured his sesamoid in last Fridays jumps trials and was “humanely euthanised”.

To date – the trial was his second. His came last in his first trial. He never even made it to his first actual race.

Of course. We can’t count his death towards the official death tally. As oddly – trial deaths don’t count. The official death toll for both states stands at 3. The unofficial death toll is now 4. It is also the second jumps horse Ciaron Maher has lost this year.

Rest in Peace The Black Oak. Racing Victoria may not count you, but you count to us.