After a few-month hiatus, horse racing is finally set to resume under the twin spires at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
The largest track in the Kentucky horse racing industry shut down racing operations in June following a troubling number of equine deaths. With significant changes now in place, live horse racing will return to the historic track on Sept. 14.
Spike in horse deaths sent races to Ellis Park
Over a two-month period starting March 30, there were 30 horse deaths reported at Churchill Downs, which marked an alarming surge in fatalities. In the events leading up to Kentucky Derby week, 12 horses died at the track.
Particularly distressing were the incidents during the opening of Derby week, when four horses died. Two suddenly collapsed after completing races and died of unknown causes.
Racing operations were temporarily moved to Ellis Park in Henderson while CDI and regulators collaborated to formulate new safety measures.
Churchill Downs and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority implemented new measures, including:
- Suspension of trainer start bonuses and purse payout allocations, eliminating any financial incentive for racing a compromised horse;
- New ineligibility standards for poor performance, barring struggling horses from racing until they’re medically cleared;
- Post-entry screening of pre-race inspection findings, adding an additional layer of safety by identifying horses at risk of injury; and
- An independent review of Churchill Downs’ track surface.
Ahead of the September reopening, Churchill Downs has put even more safeguards in place, including infrastructural improvements and additional oversight. These include:
- Upgraded surface maintenance equipment;
- More frequent surface testing;
- Increased veterinary oversight for horse care; and
- A new safety management committee composed of horsemen, racetrack employees, and veterinarians fostering open discussions on safety concerns.
Races return to Louisville after Churchill Downs implements new measures
In the wake of the tragic fatalities in May, Churchill Downs has followed through on earlier promises of safety improvements.
“Our commitment to safety remains paramount as we enter this September meet, and our participants, fans, and the public can be assured that we will continue to investigate, evaluate and improve upon every policy and protocol,” CEO Bill Carstanjen said according to CBS News.
Despite investigations failing to identify a single cause for the fatalities, the comprehensive new measures represent a significant step in addressing the safety and welfare of horses competing at Churchill Downs.
As Churchill Downs prepares to resume live racing, both regulators and the broader horse racing community will undoubtedly pay close attention to the implementation and effectiveness of the venue’s new procedures and protocols.
