Churchill Downs racetrack, known for hosting the Kentucky Derby, announced this Friday that it is suspending its races. from June 7 investigate thoroughly death 12 horses last month. Races at this venue in Louisville will go to the Ellis Park racetrack in Henderson (also in Kentucky).
Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated, which manages the circuit, said in a statement: “What happened on our track is utterly appalling and absolutely unacceptable.” Said. “While we have recently done our best to determine the cause of horse injuries and there have been no issues with our racing surfaces or the environment at Churchill Downs, we need to take more time to review from above details so we can strengthen our surface protocols, safety and integrity and conditions,” he added.
The deaths of seven horses during the week of the Kentucky Derby alone cast a shadow over this important equestrian event and raise questions about the health and care of animals in such competitions in the USA.
Venezuelan jockey Javier Castellano won the 149th Kentucky Derby on his Mage. However, Castellano’s victory at Churchill Downs, which took over from compatriot Sonny Leon as the winner of the equestrian Rick Strike in 2022, was marred in part by: the death of those horses.
From Saturday, April 29, the opening of Kentucky Derby week, to Saturday, May 6, the big race day, seven horses have died, four of which (Wild on Ice, Take Charge Briana, Freezing Point, and Chloe’s Dream). seriously injured and killed. One (Law of Kings) was then euthanized break the neck. Two horses on the other side (Parents Pride and Chasing Artie) died suddenly and for unknown reasonscaused the racing organization to suspend trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., who was in charge of these two animals. Five more horses died on that racetrack last month, bringing the casualties to twelve. Churchill Downs officials said, “No single factor has been identified as a potential cause, and no discernible pattern has been identified to link these deaths.” Said.
Animal advocacy organization PETA is happy with the suspension of the races there, but regretted that they were taken to another track. “We must not let the horse racing authorities take the problem elsewhere. Horses die on every track and the racing industry is not doing enough to stop it,” he said in a statement.