Days After Saddening Horse Tragedies at Kentucky Derby Race Course, Latest Announcement Set to Increase Safety Initiatives

In just a time frame of two months, the equestrian community lost a dozen riding horses. The host of the Triple Crown horse race, Churchill Downs recently faced new challenges, one after the other. The horses were getting injured for unknown reasons.

The unfortunate event started after the reopening of the track’s stable area on March 30. There have been numerous meetings and investigations to get to the bottom of this issue. In response to these alarming equestrian incidents, Churchill Downs come forward to implement some rules and regulations to ensure the safety of the horses.

Horse deaths at Churchill Downs raise concerns in the equestrian community

According to CNN, an injury to her left in a race is what cost Kimberly Dream her life. Tragically, the list of deceased horses includes Code of Kings, Parents Pride, Take Charge Briana, Chasing Artie, Chloe’s Dream, Freezing Point, Bosque Redondo, Rio Moon, Swanson Lake, Lost In Limbo, and Kimberly Dream. The high number of deaths has raised suspicions among the public, with concerns of potential abuse. In response to the ongoing situation, Churchill Downs has confirmed its involvement in a study conducted in partnership with the Jockey Club. The purpose of the study, as stated by Churchill Downs, is “to review each individual horse to determine if there are any undetected patterns that have not been previously identified.”

Read More: Days After 12 Horse Fatalities Rocked Equestrian Community, Massive Step Announced for the Future

Despite the distressing circumstances, officials have decided to proceed with thoroughbred races as scheduled. However, they have made the decision to temporarily pause “track-based incentives such as trainer start bonuses and purse pay-out allocations to every race finisher through last place.” The investigation into the matter is still ongoing, and Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, has announced new safety initiatives.

Churchill Downs to implement safety measures

In response to the recent horse deaths, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority held an “emergency veterinary summit” on May 31. This summit brought together members from Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to thoroughly review all available information related to the tragic incidents. Even days after the incident the problem regarding the track has not been cleared, as the officials have said, “no specific pattern has emerged“. The current racing session is scheduled to conclude on July 3. In a tweet shared by CNN, safety measures aimed at protecting the well-being of the horses have been implemented.

According to the report, these measures include restrictions that limit horses to a maximum of four starts within an eight-week period. Additionally, it was reported that “the racetrack has established ineligibility standards for horses that finish 12 or more lengths back in five consecutive races”.Furthermore, racehorses will undergo more frequent health screenings to reduce risks. “Any decision must be made first and foremost with the long-term well-being of the horse in mind,” said Dr. Will Farmer, the equine medical director. Thorough scrutiny of the post-mortem reports for the deceased horses will be undertaken to gain valuable insights. Lastly, proper assessing of the racing surfaces will be done, which consists of a 1-mile dirt course and a 7/8-mile turf track, to ensure their safety and suitability for the horses.

Watch This Story: “People Are Acting Like Zombies”: Viral Video of Bloody Kentucky Derby Brawl Leads to Brutal Reactions From Sports World