LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Two more horse deaths have been reported at Churchill Downs as locals were celebrating the inaugural 502’sDay.
The deaths come less than a week after Derby contender Wild On Ice was euthanized following a workout injury.
According to Marty McGee with the Daily Racing Forum, three-year-old filly Take Charge Briana was euthanized after she suffered a “catastrophic” injury during Race 5 on the turf.
Chasing Artie, who was trained by D. Wayne Lukas and owned by Ken Ramsey, collapsed and died following Race 8.
Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action, issued the following statement:
“Multiple horse deaths at Churchill Downs in the week preceding the running of the Kentucky Derby should be distressing to anyone interested in the well-being of horses and the reputation of the horse-racing industry. The dead horses were juveniles, and they should not be dying at this clip. We remain especially concerned about breeding practices that value speed over bodily integrity and about track surfaces that may be putting the animals and the jockeys at risk of life and limb. The work of Churchill Downs on the federal anti-doping legislation was very noteworthy and positive, but very significant horse wellness issues remain an ongoing concern. It should be a top priority for Churchill Downs and all other tracks to make horse welfare their top priority.”
WHAS11 News reached out to Churchill Downs for further information but did not hear back at press time.
The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby takes place on May 6.
This story will be updated.
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