Churchill Downs tries to keep unsound horses off the track
Churchill Downs, under scrutiny after 12 horses suffered fatal injuries in the past five weeks, on Thursday take measures intended to discourage trainers from walking unsound horses.
The home of the Kentucky Derby no longer offers incentives to trainers who start horses in races or pay purse money for first through last place, according to a company statement. Payouts are instead limited to the top five finishers.
Horses are also only allowed to start four times during a rolling eight-week period and horses beaten by more than 12 lengths in five consecutive starts are ineligible to race until the equine medical director approves their return to racing.
The changes suggest Churchill believes his bonus policy, which was designed to provide fuller fields for the betting public, may have influenced riders’ decision-making.
On Saturday, for example, a 7-year-old mare named Kimberley Dream made her 61st start in a $40,000 claiming race with just five starters. She had been uncompetitive in her five most recent starts, losing by margins of 19 to 33 lengths. Kimberley Dream broke down in the top stretch and was taken off the ground and euthanized.
Under the new rules, which take effect immediately, the mare would not be eligible for the starting gate. The horse was owned and trained by Freddie D. Winston. He could not be reached for immediate comment.
The measures come after an emergency summit of veterinarians in Lexington, Ky., which was convened by the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority to investigate the spate of horse deaths — two of them on the undercard of the Kentucky Derby on May 6. to race.
Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, the director of the Equine Safety and Welfare Authority, met with veterinarians from Churchill Downs and the state of Kentucky to review autopsy reports, toxicology reports and vet and trainer notes on the deaths. The authority had not released information about the talks on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Dennis Moore, a longtime California track inspector, surveyed the racing surfaces at Churchill Downs and offered an independent analysis of the suitability of the gravel and turf tracks for racing. His findings have not been released.
On Tuesday, Lisa Lazarus, the authority’s chief executive, said she was considering whether to recommend Churchill officials suspend racing to allow further investigation. Lazarus could not be reached for comment.
Kentucky trainers and vets also met with Dr. Ryan Carpenter, a California equine surgeon, who educated them on advanced interventions that might be considered for certain injuries.
“We feel compelled to provide the latest information on surgical procedures from an expert who, a few years ago, experienced the challenges we face in California today,” said Dr. Will Farmer, medical director of horses at Churchill Downs Incorporated. “Every decision should be made with the horse’s long-term well-being in mind first and foremost.”