Churchill Downs announced that horse racing will be suspended while federal and state regulators inspect the deaths of 12 horses at Churchill Downs over the past five weeks. Live horse racing will continue at Churchill Downs on Saturday and Sunday before moving to Ellis Park next week. The investigation experts have thus far been unable to detect a commonality between the deaths, and no concerns have been discovered in relation to the racetrack as diagnostics are consistent with previous years. Despite this, Churchill Downs stated it is relocating the meet to conduct a thorough review of all protocols and surfaces. The Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association has criticized the move and recommends allowing trainers and veterinarians to use therapeutic medications that could decrease the risk of breakdowns. Churchill Downs put measures in place on Thursday to discourage trainers from running unsound horses and ensure the safety and welfare of the horses. These measures, which will also be implemented at Ellis Park, remove incentives for trainers and limit the number of starts and eligibility of beaten horses, among other changes. The safety and welfare for the horses must remain paramount in all horseracing activities.
