Horse racing at Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby, will resume for the fall meet after a series of horse deaths forced the track to close. There were 12 horse deaths in total, including seven during the week of the Kentucky Derby in early May.
The decision was made to suspend racing operations at the Louisville, Kentucky, track on June 7. The remainder of the spring meet was moved to Ellis Park in western Kentucky at the recommendation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, the sport’s national overseer.
The incidents raised serious concerns about the safety and welfare of the horses and prompted a reevaluation of the practices at Churchill Downs. Critics, as well as animal advocates, expressed outrage and called for the track to be closed permanently.
The owners of Churchill Down disagreed with calls to close, but did see the horse deaths as a wake-up call. They demanded immediate action to prevent further tragedies and restore faith in the sport.
The horse deaths at Churchill Downs had a profound impact on the track’s reputation. Once seen as a symbol of excellence and tradition, it was now associated with tragedy and negligence. Churchill Downs found itself in the midst of a crisis, with its reputation tarnished and public trust shattered.
The negative publicity surrounding the horse deaths affected not only Churchill Downs but also the entire horse racing industry. The incidents sparked a broader discussion about the ethics and morality of the sport, raising concerns about the treatment of racehorses and the need for stricter regulations.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Churchill Downs took immediate action to address the issue and demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of the horses. The track’s management formed a task force composed of industry experts, veterinarians, and animal welfare advocates to thoroughly investigate the incidents and identify the underlying causes.
Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) CEO Bill Carstanjen called the deaths “a series of unfortunate circumstances.” He also said on a recent earnings call with CDI investors that the investigation was needed.
“What we needed to do was spend some of this time in the interim, while we ran the rest of the (spring) meet at Ellis to just go soup to nuts through every single thing we do at the racetrack,” Carstanjen said. “There was nothing that jumped out as an apparent cause of the injuries, of the breakdowns; and, as we went through and rebuilt our processes from the ground up to check everything that we do to make extra sure, we didn’t find anything material.”
The task force conducted a comprehensive review of the track’s practices, including track conditions, veterinary care and training protocols. The investigation set out to understand what had gone wrong and how to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The findings of the investigation led to the development of a set of new protocols and initiatives aimed at enhancing horse safety.
The track implemented a range of safety measures to mitigate the risks faced by racehorses. The track invested in advanced track surface technology to ensure optimal conditions for the horses, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Additionally, they increased the presence of on-site veterinary professionals, providing immediate medical attention to injured horses and monitoring their well-being.
Training practices were also reevaluated and improved. Churchill Downs introduced stricter guidelines for trainers, emphasizing the importance of responsible horsemanship and the avoidance of unnecessary risks. They mandated comprehensive pre-race examinations to identify any potential health issues, ensuring that only fit and healthy horses would participate in races.
The track’s management recognized the need for open and transparent communication with the horse racing community and the public. They organized town hall meetings, inviting stakeholders from all sectors of the industry to share their concerns, ideas, and suggestions for improvement.
Churchill Downs also engaged with the public through social media campaigns and educational initiatives. They shared behind-the-scenes footage of the track’s operations, highlighting the care and attention given to the horses. Additionally, they partnered with renowned animal welfare organizations to fund research and develop best practices for horse racing.
One of the most notable improvements was the introduction of a comprehensive horse retirement and rehoming program. Churchill Downs took proactive steps to ensure that retired racehorses were given the care and attention they deserved, facilitating their transition to second careers or peaceful retirement.
The track continues to invest in research and technological advancements to further improve safety measures. Officials also said they also recognize the importance of educating the next generation of horse racing enthusiasts. They have expanded their outreach programs to schools and community centers, teaching young people about responsible horsemanship, the history of the sport, and the importance of horse welfare.
The fall meet will begin September 14 and run through October 1.
