Race Officials Investigate After String Of Deaths

Lexington Herald Leader

Seven Horses Die at Churchill Downs Leading Up to the Kentucky Derby

Race Officials Investigate After String of Deaths

Four Horses Die During Racing or Training

CNN - Two more horses have died at Churchill Downs, the home of the famous Kentucky Derby. Officials from the track announced the news on Saturday, bringing the total number of horse deaths at the track to seven in the past 10 days. Three horses died in the days leading up to the Kentucky Derby, and two more died on Derby day. Two additional horses died before racing but not while training.

After seven deaths raised questions about the future of horse racing, Rich Strike won the Kentucky Derby in a surprise upset. The 2023 Kentucky Derby will be largely remembered for the number of horses that died or were scratched from races.

Officials from Churchill Downs are investigating the deaths and have not yet determined a cause. The track has implemented new safety measures in recent years, including a ban on the use of certain medications and a reduction in the number of races.

Lexington Herald Leader