A MOVE to ban jumps racing in South Australia has failed after the Government and Opposition joined forces to defeat a Greens bill.

The defeat paves the way for jumps opponents to challenge the sport through the courts, after advice from the Law Society suggested the sport may already be in breach of the Animal Welfare Act, AdelaideNow reports.

Greens MLC Tammy Franks said the sport subjected horses to cruelty and should be banned.

"We no longer condone or accept animal cruelty as a legitimate form of entertainment in any other form of sport in Australia," she said.

"If Parliament does not have the fortitude to pass the bill, the courts may lead the way."

Government spokesman on the legislation Gerry Kandelaars hailed the impact of the sport on the state's economy.

"The positive impact on businesses within our tourism and recreational business sectors . . . can not be overestimated," he said.

"Jumps racing is a significant employer not only on race days, but also behind the scenes."

He said he was confident Thoroughbred Racing South Australia was attempting to minimise fatalities and injuries.

Opposition racing spokesman Terry Stephens said the jumps racing industry was an important contributor to the state's economy, and highlighted Oakbank as the highlight of the year's racing calendar.

"A ban makes no sense, these horses are bred to race," he said.

"Jumps racing in this state has a rich tradition. It is good for the economy."

Mr Stephens said a ban would suggest that trainers and jockeys in jumps racing were "barbaric", which he said was not the case.

Read more at AdelaideNow.