Racing Victoria has announced the 2023 jumps racing season that will see an additional $175,000 in prize money added to the 2022 season.

The prize money increase means more than $1 million has been pumped into an increase in prize money over the past two seasons.

The Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool in May and the Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat in August will be the two richest jumps races for season 2023, each carrying $400,000 in prize money.

There will be 19 meetings throughout Victoria in 2023 where jumps races will be conducted, commencing at Terang on March 27 and culminating in the all-jumps program incorporating the Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat on August 27.

RV Jumps Racing Manager Josh Grimwood said jumps racing was a unique feature of the Victorian racing calendar while the prize money enhancements recognise the strength of the jumps racing industry.

“The 2022 jumps racing season was among the safest ever conducted, it enjoyed strong engagement with increased wagering turnover, and saw a record crowd attend the jewel-in-the-crown Warrnambool May Carnival,” Grimwood said.

“The priority for all involved in Victorian jumps racing continues to be the safety of the sport and importantly we have witnessed continued improvement through ongoing safety initiatives and a robust regulatory framework.

“I would like to thank the AJRA (Australian Jumps Racing Association) and the participating clubs for their engagement and support in constructing the program and look forward to another terrific season of jumping in 2023.”