The Kentucky Derby is one of the biggest horse racing events. Thousands of people from all over the world come to Louisville, Kentucky, to watch it at Churchill Downs. The 149th Kentucky Derby was held on May 7, 2023. It was a day full of excitement and expectation. But the event was also marred by something that shocked and worried many people.
In this piece, we’ll talk about what happened at the Kentucky Derby, including how the race took an unexpected turn and what happened afterward. We will also talk about how this event has affected the horse racing community and what it might mean for the sport’s future.
What Happened at Kentucky Derby?
Four horses recently died, and Churchill Downs officials have called their deaths “unacceptable” and “troubling.” Churchill Downs is the site of the renowned Kentucky Derby. Within a five-day period, the four racehorses perished in different situations.
Officials report that two horses have passed away suddenly from unknown causes at the track since the beginning of Kentucky Derby week on April 29. On Saturday, Parents Pride, and Tuesday, Chasing Artie both passed away. Saffie Joseph Jr. trained both horses.
According to Joseph, who spoke to CNN on Thursday, “People who don’t come to the track don’t see the passionate care of these horses.” “At the moment, I’m not sure why this occurred, which makes us uneasy. I feel broken and uneasy. The investigation into the deaths, according to Joseph, has produced “no significant findings yet.”
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When asked about the investigation and preliminary conclusions, a Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) spokesperson didn’t address Joseph’s remarks. According to a statement from the KHRC, the investigation is ongoing, and autopsies will be done at the University of Kentucky.
Additionally, Lord Miles, a colt entered in the Kentucky Derby, is trained by Joseph. When questioned by CNN about whether his horse received any additional care, Joseph responded, “Extra blood work has been done to make sure nothing is being missed.”
On Saturday in Louisville, Kentucky, the 149th Derby, the first race in the coveted Triple Crown, will take place.
Churchill Downs claims that two additional horses perished from musculoskeletal injuries. A Derby contender named Wild on Ice suffered an injury while working out last Thursday, and Take Charge Briana hurt herself while competing on Tuesday. They were both “euthanized for humane reasons.”
While a series of events like this is highly unusual, it is completely unacceptable, officials said in a statement on Wednesday. We take this very seriously and acknowledge that these troubling incidents are alarming and must be addressed. Churchill Downs said it was “working with regulators to conduct swift and thorough investigations.
“The safety and well-being of horses is a critical issue for which everyone in the industry shares responsibility; however, we will continue to take every measure to ensure that we are providing the safest possible environment for horses on our property,” added Churchill Downs statement.
