Churchill Downs Suspends Racing After 12 Horse Deaths in One Month

Churchill Downs Racetrack, home of the Kentucky Derby, announced on Friday that they would suspend racing after 12 horse deaths occurred in one month at their famed racetrack. The company said in a statement that multiple investigations into the horses’ deaths had determined “no single factor has been identified as a potential cause and no discernable pattern has been detected to link the fatalities.” Despite this, Churchill Downs has decided to suspend racing at their facilities.

Starting June 10, the remainder of the Spring Meet will take place at Ellis Park in Henderson, Kentucky. Race operations at Churchill Downs will cease on June 7, and the Spring Meet is scheduled to end July 3. Races scheduled at Churchill Downs will be moved to Ellis Park.

The company also noted that “diagnostics testing of the racetrack by experts have not raised concerns.” However, they have decided to suspend racing as a precautionary measure. Churchill Downs has not yet released a statement on when racing will resume at their track.

The horse racing industry has seen a number of fatalities in recent years, and Churchill Downs is taking steps to ensure the safety of their horses. It is unclear what measures the company will take to prevent future fatalities, but they are committed to providing a safe environment for their horses and jockeys.