Churchill Downs Suspends Racing Operations After Multiple Horse Deaths
Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby, has suspended all racing after 12 horses died during the spring season. The track's parent company, Churchill Downs Incorporated, said it would move the remainder of its Spring Meet to another Kentucky venue it owns, Ellis Park Racing & Gaming in Henderson, to conduct a review of all safety and surface protocols. Investigations and expert reports have indicated no surface issues, but no single factor has been identified as a potential cause of the fatalities. Animal welfare organizations have urged tracks to improve conditions.