Racing suspended at Churchill Downs after 12 horses die

Horse racing at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, is suspended following the death of 12 horses at the track. Spring and summer races will be rescheduled to take place at Ellis Park. However, practice at Churchill Downs is still permitted for now.

A report on Horse Racing Nation stated the following about the tragic situation:

“Even though the investigations and expert reports have indicated no surface issues, in an abundance of caution, and in alignment with a recommendation from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, Churchill Downs Inc. has elected to relocate the meet in order to conduct a top-to-bottom review of all safety and surface protocols and integrity measures in collaboration and consultation with nationwide experts,” the statement said. A Churchill Downs spokesperson told Horse Racing Nation that training will be allowed to continue at the track after racing is suspended.

it appears that no one is certain on why the horse deaths kept occurring, even after investigations showed no problem with the track. It now seems like more investigations will happen to see what else could have contributed to a dozen horses dying at Churchill Downs. People did a report on it and stated the following:

“Even though the investigations and expert reports have indicated no surface issues, CDI has elected to relocate the meet in order to conduct a top-to-bottom review of all safety and surface protocols,” it said.

Animal welfare organizations decried the deaths and urged tracks to improve conditions.

“It should be a top priority for Churchill Downs and all other tracks to make horse welfare their top priority,” Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action, said in a statement just ahead of the Kentucky Derby in May.