Three-year-old gelding Chloe’s Dream, a three-year-old gelding, got hurt in the second race on Kentucky Derby day. And a three-year-old colt, named Freezing Point, was euthanized, after pulling up in the Pat Day Mile Stakes.
Five other racehorses were euthanized after training and racing incidents at the track in the days leading up to the Derby.
Investigators have yet to determine the cause of death of two horses trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. In an abundance of caution, he was indefinitely suspended by the track pending further investigation.
In a statement, Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen expressed his deep concern and asserted the company’s commitment to protecting the horses.
‘What has happened at our track is deeply upsetting and absolutely unacceptable,’ Carstanjen’s statement said.
‘We need to take more time to conduct a top-to-bottom review of all of the details and circumstances so that we can further strengthen our surface, safety, and integrity protocols,” he added.
During the period when races are relocated to Ellis Park, the conditions and purse money for the races will remain the same as they would have been at Churchill Downs. And trainers and jockeys will receive a stipend to cover any additional costs they may incur.
