Churchill Downs suspends racing after horse fatalities

Jockey Javier Castellano rode Mage ahead of Jareth Loveberry aboard Two Phil's to win the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Churchill Downs makes significant move amid 'unusual number' of horse fatalities

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 6/3/23

Churchill Downs has announced the suspension of racing operations amid an "unusual number" of horse fatalities at the historic track in May alone.

In a press release Friday, the track revealed the cancelation of races from June 7 through July 3 while nationwide experts conduct a "top-to-bottom review" of safety protocols.

Statement from Churchill Downs Incorporated
— Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) June 2, 2023

"The team at Churchill Downs takes great pride in our commitment to safety and strives to set the highest standard in racing, consistently going above and beyond regulations and policies that are required," said track CEO Bill Carstanjen. "What has happened at our track is deeply upsetting and absolutely unacceptable."

Several horses had to be scratched or euthanized over a 10-day period leading up to the Kentucky Derby, drawing criticism aimed at Churchill Downs. An internal review and investigation by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission found no conclusive reason behind the tragic events in May, creating the need for a more thorough sweep.

Unfortunately, injuries are part of horse racing, oftentimes leading to heartbreaking results. However, the series of painful events at Churchill Downs last month can't go unresolved for the sake of the legendary track and the sport as a whole. Hopefully, in time, the horse racing world will have some answers.

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