Trainers and jockeys must consider the welfare of their horses to ensure the viability of jumps racing in Victoria, Racing Minister Rob Hulls says.The decision to continue the sport was announced by Racing Victoria Ltd (RVL) on Monday following the death of five horses in the first 10 weeks of the season."RVL have made that decision independent of government - that's the way it should be," Hulls told reporters in Melbourne."I think the onus now is on trainers and jockeys to be even more vigilant

Trainers and jockeys must consider the welfare of their horses to ensure the viability of jumps racing in Victoria, Racing Minister Rob Hulls says.

The decision to continue the sport was announced by Racing Victoria Ltd (RVL) on Monday following the death of five horses in the first 10 weeks of the season.

"RVL have made that decision independent of government - that's the way it should be," Hulls told reporters in Melbourne.

"I think the onus now is on trainers and jockeys to be even more vigilant in relation to the welfare of horses in the jumps racing industry."

While he acknowledged the "fairly passionate" views expressed over the horse deaths, Mr Hulls slammed "some very intemperate, outrageous and quite false" comments made in relation to the sport.

"I would now ask all stakeholders to accept the decision of the RVL and work as hard as they can to improve the safety of jumps racing in this state."

He warned ongoing monitoring by RVL would continue and culminate in a review of jumps racing at the end of the 2009 season.

"RVL have made that decision independent of government - that's the way it should be."

Mr Hulls said safety improvements to jumps racing were essential to protect tarnishing the reputation of the entire horseracing industry.

"The last thing we want is for jumps racing to be the lead in the saddlebag of the racing industry generally in this state."