The 149th version of the Kentucky Derby was overshadowed by the deaths of 12 horses within the days surrounding the race on the historic observe. Two horses died on Might 6, 2023 — the identical day as final 12 months’s race.
The deaths got here at a time when the game of horse racing historically attracts essentially the most consideration. However, final 12 months’s tragic collection of occasions at Churchill Downs left many in tears and raised questions concerning the security of the game.
“You can’t ever be too safe when it comes to our sport,” jockey Mike Smith, a two-time Derby-winner stated.
The variety of deaths in the US elevated barely in 2023 from the 12 months earlier than, based on information tracked by the Equine Harm Database and reported by HISA. HISA stated there have been 1.32 deaths per 1,000 begins final 12 months, up from 1.25 the earlier 12 months.
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FILE – Javier Castellano, atop Mage, third from left, is seen with others behind the pack as they make the primary flip whereas competing within the 149th working of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, Might 6, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. Horse deaths marred final 12 months’s Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Breeders’ Cup, with officers discovering no single issue guilty. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez, File)
“We’re encouraged by that progress,” stated Lisa Lazarus, CEO of HISA, “but we certainly have a whole lot more work to do.”
BOB BAFFERT-TRAINED HORSE NOT ALLOWED TO RUN IN KENTUCKY DERBY, JUDGE RULES
A evaluation of 14 horse deaths at Saratoga in upstate New York final summer time discovered no definitive trigger for why they occurred, though heavy rainfall may have contributed.
Investigations by Churchill Downs and the Horseracing Integrity and Security Act (HISA) — the game’s new governing physique — didn’t establish one widespread trigger for the deaths across the Derby.
Resilience runs on the observe throughout the morning coaching for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 28, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Andy Lyons/Getty Pictures)
The 2024 Kentucky Derby will happen on Might 4. The deaths prompted Churchill Downs to make a number of adjustments to its security program forward of Saturday.
The observe upgraded gear used to harrow and grade the filth floor, with elevated testing to measure security and consistency. The cushion is measured in spots across the observe and moisture content material is checked all through racing days to resolve the watering schedule.
“The track is a lot different than it was. It’s got more sand in it now, it’s got more base, more cushion,” stated Corridor of Fame coach D. Wayne Lukas, who saddles Simply Metal within the Derby. “It’s quite a bit deeper. Horses are getting over it good.”
Without end Younger runs on the observe throughout the morning coaching for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 28, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Andy Lyons/Getty Pictures)
Churchill Downs additionally added an equine security and integrity veterinarian to assist implement its guidelines. Fifteen vets from the Kentucky Horse Racing Fee joined the observe’s vet group to watch horses this week earlier than, throughout and after coaching and of their stalls after they arrive.
Jockeys, trainers, train riders, observe administration and vets are members of a brand new security administration committee. The committee holds conferences on a weekly foundation. Through the conferences they focus on issues, and in addition present suggestions on areas the place they see the necessity for enchancment.
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All horses racing at Churchill Downs put on StrideSAFE biometric sensors that detect adjustments of their gaits to assist spot inconsistencies or early indicators of a possible growing damage. The observe put in a PET unit for diagnostic imaging, solely the second such machine completely situated at a U.S. racetrack.
HISA took impact in July 2022 to implement nationwide requirements for security at racetracks, changing the patchwork guidelines of the 38 racing states. Its antidoping and medicine management program didn’t begin till late Might 2023, after final 12 months’s Derby and Preakness, the place one among coach Bob Baffert’s horses was injured in a race and was euthanized.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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