Horse racing summit called after 12 horses dead at Churchill Downs

[ad_1]

Mass changes could finally be coming to horse racing.

The horse racing oversight authority will hold an emergency summit on Tuesday to review information and analysis in the wake of now 12 horses being put down in the past month during the Kentucky Derby.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) announced Monday that Dennis Moore, an independent analysis superintendent, will see the training facilities and surfaces.

Jennifer Durenberger will also provide veterinary expertise and work with Churchill Downs to discuss health and safety protocols.

The oversight committee stepping in marks the first actions made since the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called for mass changes in the horse racing world.


Tizjammy (NZ) ridden by Matthew Cartwright
Tizjammy (NZ) ridden by Matthew Cartwright
Racing Photos via Getty Images

This year’s Kentucky Derby was marred in controversy as seven horses died before the event.

PETA was understandably furious and demanded answers; Monday’s announcement would seem to be that answer.

Prior to The Derby, PETA senior vice president Kathy Guillermo called Churchill Downs “a killing field,” while PETA’s official statement called for Churchill Downs to be closed prior to the race.


Here Mi Song is lead into a equine ambulance after racing in the tenth race ahead of the 149th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
Here Mi Song is led into a equine ambulance after racing in the 10th race ahead of the 149th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
Getty Images

Mage wound up winning the 149th Kentucky Derby while National Treasure won the 2023 Preakness Stakes the following week.

Trainer Bob Baffert’s horse Havnameltdown also had to be euthanized on the track of the Preakness.

[ad_2]

Source link