The decision to suspend racing at Churchill Downs follows an emergency summit organized by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, the track, and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
The authority had previously hinted at the possibility of recommending a pause in the meeting. And Churchill Downs willingly accepted the recommendation.
HISA
Both Churchill Downs and the authority had independently announced additional safety and health measures before the summit.
The HISA announced that it will send track superintendent Dennis Moore for a second independent analysis of the training and surfaces.
HISA equine safety and welfare director Jennifer Durenberger will provide additional veterinary expertise and oversight of all the racehorses at Churchill Downs.
The Authority praised Churchill Downs’ efforts to minimize the risk of equine fatalities and emphasized its commitment to the well-being of the horses.
They also announced that an equine forensics specialist would conduct a thorough review of all necropsies performed on the affected horses.
