Horse racing-Churchill Downs to resume racing in September after safety review

Churchill Downs

31/07/2023 18:23

July 31 (Reuters) - Racing will resume at Churchill
Downs in September, the Louisville-based racetrack said on
Monday following an internal safety review that was launched
after the deaths of 12 horses at the home of the Kentucky Derby.
    Churchill Downs, which is home to the opening leg of U.S. 
thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown in May, suspended racing in
June to review surfaces and safety protocols after a spike in
equine fatalities that overshadowed the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
    Following its review, the track said analysis by multiple
leading industry experts found no issue with the racing surfaces
but Churchill Downs has invested in new maintenance equipment
and will double the frequency of surface testing.
    Other enhancements it hopes will further ensure the safety
and well-being of horses and jockeys include increased
veterinary oversight, working with experts to predict at-risk
horses and the establishment of a safety management committee.
    "Our commitment to safety remains paramount as we enter this
September meet and our participants, fans and the public can be
assured that we will continue to investigate, evaluate and
improve upon every policy and protocol," Churchill Downs
Incorporated CEO Bill Carstanjen said in a news release.
    Racing at Churchill Downs will resume on Sept. 14 and end
for the year on Nov. 26.

 (Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Ken Ferris)
 ((frank.pingue@thomsonreuters.com; +1 (647) 480-7636;))