Churchill Downs introduces new safety measures for Kentucky Derby 150 after string of horse deaths last year

The Kentucky Derby is all about the noble, athletic thoroughbreds, the mint juleps, gaudy hats and pastel spring outfits. But last year, the biggest horse race on the calendar was known for the deaths of so many animals.

There were a dozen who died on the days leading up to the Kentucky Derby, on race day and then immediately after the annual competition at Churchill Downs.

For the race’s 150th run for the roses, Churchill Downs is implementing several safety changes to make sure the horses don’t die as they train or race on the famous track.

The Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) investigated the 12 deaths, two of which happened on race day. The commission discovered no common detail with what happened with the horses.

Plus, necropsies and toxicology screens from the horses did not show fany banned substances. Nor did those tests reveal the misuse of legal medications. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., who had two of his horses die, initially was suspended by Churchill Downs. However, the report cleared him, so he was reinstated and one of his horses will be racing the Kentucky Derby.

“When we say that there’s not one singular factor that caused the breakdowns, it doesn’t mean that we don’t know what the risk factors are that contribute to breakdowns,” Lisa Lazarus, the CEO of HISA, told the Associated Press. “Those are things we’ve been working on very hard.”

The deaths connected to the Kentucky Derby last year generated so much publicity, creating the impression that the deaths had increased dramatically across the country. But horse racing deaths only bumped up slightly in 2023. HISA reported that its Equine Injury Database indicated that horse deaths in 2023 were 1.32 per 1,000 starts. In 2022, the death rate was 1.25 per 1,000 starts.

The HISA report said that trainers complained about rocks on the racetrack. That’s why there are now more tractors and harrows with more sophisticated screening equipment. There also more tests to measure the cushion and moisture content around the track.

D. Wayne Lucas, a Hall of Fame trainer, said the changes have worked.

“The track is a lot different than it was,” Lukas told AP. “It’s got more sand in it now, it’s got more base, more cushion. It’s quite a bit deeper. Horses are getting over it good.”

There also will be an equine safety and integrity veterinarian to enforce rules at the track. Plus, 15 vets from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission joined the track’s vet team for the Derby. They’ll observe horses this week. And they’ll check them on race day in the stalls.

There also is a new safety committee, which meets weekly. The committee features members who are jockeys, trainers, exercise riders, track management and vets. The group gives feedback on the changes and if there is a need for more.

“It’s been a little bit sloppy and all over the place,” two-time Kentucy Derby-winning trainer Doug O’Neill told AP. “But I do think the sport has evolved into a safer sport.”