ULAN BATOR, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The government of Mongolia has decided to ban horse races across the country until June 1, amid outcry over a recent serious accident involving children in horse racing, the government's press office said in a statement on Tuesday.

The decision was made to protect children jockeys. The rights of children jockeys have become sensitive after nine children, aged 10-13, were injured during a recent horse race organized without permission.

The country has earlier prohibited children under 12 from participating in all horse races held in winter and early spring.

Official statistics show that over 1,500 children jockeys were injured during training and races in the last five years. Many children became disabled for life, and more than 10 lost their lives during races.