This year's jumps racing season has barely started and five horses are already dead They're heading into week 6 now and the odds are stacked against the horses. Those racing in jumps races are at up to 20 time great risk of injury or death than horses in flat races.

The Warrnambool Racing Carnival started today. This 'spectacle' features a steeplechase that covers 5500 metres and includes 33 jumps. Can you imagine running that far with a person on your back and having to clear jumps at the same time? It's a tough ask, and tired, exhausted horses often fall suffering terrible injuries. No wonder there's already been one death today. Sadly, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the 'green screen' come out again in the next few days.

You can help stop this carnage! Here's a few simple ways how:

• Click here to share this video on Facebook so the industry can't hide the body count.
• Tell the Victorian and South Australian governments to catch up with the rest of Australia and ban this so-called 'sport'.
• Sign up with the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses to find out about actions (if you live in VIC or SA).

RIP Casa Boy
RIP Hammerblow
RIP Squire Rex
RIP Java Star
RIP Shine the Armour

[Update 20/05/11: Another 2 horses have since died, bringing the total deaths to seven horses in seven weeks.]

Let's hope they end this cruelty before this list gets any longer!