The 149th edition of the Kentucky Derby was marred by the deaths of 12 horses in the days surrounding the race at Churchill Downs. Two horses died on the same day as last year’s race, prompting questions about the safety of the sport. Data from the Equine Injury Database and HISA showed a slight increase in deaths in the US in 2023, with 1.32 deaths per 1,000 starts. The CEO of HISA stated that although there has been progress in improving safety, there is still more work to be done.
A review of 14 horse deaths at Saratoga in upstate New York last summer found no definitive cause for the fatalities, although heavy rainfall was considered a possible factor. Investigations by Churchill Downs and HISA did not identify a single common cause for the deaths around the Derby. In response to the tragedies, Churchill Downs made several changes to its safety program, including upgrading equipment for maintaining the track surface and adding an equine safety and integrity veterinarian.
The track now has 15 vets from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission joining the vet team to observe horses before, during, and after training, as well as in their stalls. A new safety management committee, consisting of jockeys, trainers, exercise riders, track management, and veterinarians, holds weekly meetings to discuss concerns and provide feedback on areas for improvement. All horses racing at Churchill Downs wear StrideSAFE biometric sensors to detect changes in their gaits, and a PET unit for diagnostic imaging has been installed at the track.
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) took effect in July 2022 to implement national safety standards at racetracks, replacing the varying rules of 38 different racing states. However, its anti-doping and medication control program did not start until late May 2023, after last year’s Derby and Preakness. These efforts are aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the horses and participants in the sport, and to prevent future tragedies like those seen at the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
The 2024 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for May 4, and Churchill Downs has taken significant steps to improve safety measures at the historic track. These changes include upgrades to track equipment, the addition of an equine safety and integrity veterinarian, and the implementation of a new safety management committee. With the support of HISA and ongoing efforts to enforce regulations and monitor horse health, the hope is that future editions of the race will be free from the tragedies and concerns that marred the 149th running.
