The 149th Kentucky Derby was marred by the tragic deaths of 12 horses in the days surrounding the race, prompting questions about the safety of the sport and leading to several changes in safety protocols at Churchill Downs.
The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious races in horse racing, was overshadowed by the deaths of 12 horses in the days leading up to and following the event. The deaths raised concerns about the safety of the sport and prompted Churchill Downs and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) to implement new measures to enhance horse welfare.
On May 6, 2023, two horses died on the same day as the Kentucky Derby, echoing the tragic events of the previous year's race. These deaths came at a time when the sport of horse racing traditionally draws the most attention, raising questions about the safety of the horses involved.
According to data tracked by the Equine Injury Database and reported by HISA, the number of horse deaths in the US increased slightly in 2023 from the previous year. There were 1.32 deaths per 1,000 starts last year, up from 1.25 the previous year.
Investigations by Churchill Downs and HISA did not identify one common cause for the deaths around the Derby. A review of 14 horse deaths at Saratoga in upstate New York last summer also failed to determine a definitive reason for their occurrence, although heavy rainfall could have contributed.
In response to the horse deaths, Churchill Downs has made several changes to its safety program. The track upgraded equipment used to harrow and grade the dirt surface, increasing testing to measure safety and consistency. Additionally, the track added an equine safety and integrity veterinarian to help enforce its rules, and fifteen vets from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission joined the track's vet team to observe horses before, during, and after training and in their stalls.
A new safety management committee has been formed, consisting of jockeys, trainers, exercise riders, track management, and vets. The committee holds weekly meetings to discuss concerns and provide feedback on areas where they see the need for improvement.
All horses racing at Churchill Downs wear StrideSAFE biometric sensors, which detect changes in their gaits to help spot inconsistencies or early signs of a potential injury. The track also installed a PET unit for diagnostic imaging, only the second such machine permanently located at a US racetrack.
HISA took effect in July 2022 to implement national standards for safety at racetracks. Its antidoping and medication control program didn't start until late May 2023, after last year's Derby and Preakness, where one of trainer Bob Baffert's horses was injured in a race and was euthanized.
Despite the new safety measures implemented by Churchill Downs and HISA, the 2024 Kentucky Derby will take place with concerns over horse safety still lingering. As a result of last year's incidents, the safety of the sport will continue to be a major focus in the years to come.
