On Saturday, the Churchill Downs Twitter account (now X) announced the return of one of its famous ponies. This announcement comes following the news of racing returning to the prestigious equestrian tracks. The home of the Kentucky Derby has hosted a magnificent number of racehorses over the years. However, a recent catastrophe has given the track a setback.

In preparation for the return of racing to its tracks, Churchill announced the comeback of its beloved pony to assist in escorting its equines as part of its newest set of initiatives.

Churchill’s magnificent pony

Harley, the pony, is often found on the backside of the Churchill race tracks. He is said to possess a striking physique and stands out at the stables. The 12-year-old sugarbush draft horse, weighing over 2000 pounds, appears larger than the equines he escorts during races. The pony is known to accompany the racehorses along with his trainer and owner, Monnie.

Harley is recognized and admired for his admirable heart and character. Racehorses can often become agitated by the large crowds and the excitement of the races, causing them to react strongly towards escort ponies. However, Harley has never been known to back down. He is a gentle creature with the ability to calm even the most intimidated horses and assist with their endurance.

This quality of the pony has been an asset to the prestigious race tracks. Thus, with the return of the racing at the venue, Churchill took to X to share the presence of Harley.

The handle captioned, “Attention,” “Harley is back!!”?showcasing the gentle giant in his stable.

Also Read: US Equestrian Federation Implements New Rule Following Multiple Equine Fatalities This Season

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Returning to the races after its setback has been a significant process for Churchill Downs. Given the nature of the challenges the race track has faced, Harley’s return appears to be the right move.

Harley’s essential role at the equestrian track

During its Spring-Summer meets, Churchill Race Tracks experienced a tragic period. Between their May and June events, including The Kentucky Derby, the race track witnessed the tragic deaths of 12 horses. Following these occurrences, the organization decided to relocate the remaining races to Ellis Park in Henderson and conduct a thorough investigation of the grounds.

Although the investigations revealed no underlying faults or patterns, the CEO of Churchill Downs announced plans for a more in-depth review to enhance the quality of the grounds. The CEO also emphasized the importance of improving safety and integrity protocols. While visible factors of the grounds might not have been the cause of the fatalities, the mental well-being of the horses is not to be overlooked. Taking all aspects into consideration, the tracks introduced new initiatives, including increased health screening, a limit of 4 starts per horse, and ineligibility for horses finishing 12 lengths behind or more.

Taking a step in the right direction, Harley’s presence at the races contributes positively. Going forward, the actions of the race tracks set a commendable example in the equestrian world.