A Racing Victoria statement said it would not try to have the rule changed. "The RV Board considered a proposed amendment that would allow jumpers that turn 13 years of age in a calendar year to be exempted from retirement until the end of that year's jumps season on 30 September," the statement read.
"In the interest of horse and participants' welfare, the board determined that an amendment to the current rules would present a greater safety risk to the horse, their rider and other participants and, as such, will not seek to make an amendment."
The Ciaron Maher-trained Bashboy will also be ineligible to contest the Crisp Steeplechase, a race he has won four times.
Co-owner Ian Macdonald said he was frustrated by a lack of consultation from Racing Australia, claiming the age limit was random.
"They've in effect turned their backs on promoting jumps racing by actively supporting the retirement of the current Australian champion, which is totally ridiculous," Macdonald told Melbourne radio station RSN.
- AAP
