2023 marks the 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville. This historic event stands as the longest continuously-held sporting event in America. However, the year was marred by a series of unfortunate events as a dozen horses suffered injuries during training in the weeks leading up to the "Run for the Roses."
After a thorough investigation, Churchill Downs was cleared of any wrongdoing in relation to the equine deaths.
In a recent statement, Lisa Lazarus, the CEO of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, shared with "CBS Sunday Morning," "In response to the incidents from last Spring, HISA acted swiftly to assist Churchill Downs in identifying the causes of the breakdowns and preventing further harm to the horses. While no single cause was pinpointed in the investigation, Churchill Downs has implemented various measures to enhance track surfaces. These initiatives include the adoption of new surface maintenance equipment and an increase in the frequency of surface testing."
HISA is working closely with Churchill Downs to ensure the highest standards of integrity and safety are upheld for this year's meet – but it's important to note that ensuring the safety of a horse must happen year-round. HISA has been laser-focused in the past year on enhancing the ecosystem of care surrounding the horses at every track, including making sure track surfaces are in optimal condition, enforcing our anti-doping program, enhancing veterinary oversight, and investing in cutting-edge technology to prevent equine injury.
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority is a private self-regulatory organization, created by Congress and overseen by the Federal Trade Commission, to implement national standards for safety rules at racetrack facilities.
Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack, told "Sunday Morning" correspondent Jim Axelrod, "After the customary investigation that our state and federal regulators performed and our own internal thorough investigation, we could not find one singular cause for that cluster of unfortunate equine injuries. So, we don't have one singular explanation to give you. It was a tragedy. And every equine fatality is a tragedy."
The news last year came in the wake of similar reports of horse deaths at other tracks, including Santa Anita in California, and Belmont Park in New York.
"I think it was somewhat of a wake-up call for the industry," said Anderson, "to ensure that there is unwavering adherence to the regulations and rules, both from a safety perspective and medication perspective. I think the industry has stepped up. And we've taken several key initiatives here to make things even better."
In addition to enhanced surface management and improved training routines, Churchill Downs has implemented various technological advancements to safeguard horses, including the utilization of a biometric tool known as StrideSAFE. This device, when placed in the saddle of horses, can identify irregularities in a horse's stride, allowing for early intervention to prevent injuries.
The racecourse has also bolstered its veterinary care services, allocating additional resources to the chief medical and equine medical officers for specialized horse care. Furthermore, a safety management oversight committee has been established, comprising horse experts, veterinarians, jockeys, and management personnel to facilitate open discussions and the exchange of ideas aimed at enhancing safety protocols and implementing immediate measures.
"The safety of our participants is a top priority at Churchill Downs," affirmed Anderson. "We are committed to ensuring the well-being of all individuals involved in our races, both human and equine. By adhering to stringent safety measures and protocols, in collaboration with regulatory bodies, we strive to maintain the highest standards to uphold the integrity of our sport and earn the trust of our fans and supporters."
When questioned about the sufficiency of these measures, Axelrod inquired, "Have you done enough?"
"The industry is definitely on an upward trajectory and showing consistent improvement," Anderson stated confidently. "There's still room for growth, but here at Churchill Downs, we pride ourselves on being the benchmark. We take that responsibility seriously and have embraced the challenge. Our commitment is to uphold the highest safety standards possible."
For more information:
- Churchill Downs, Louisville
- Mike Anderson, president, Churchill Downs Racetrack
- The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs will take place on Saturday, May 4
