Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. has been suspended indefinitely from Churchill Downs after the unexplained deaths of two of his horses at the track. Lord Miles, who is trained by Joseph, was also scratched from the Kentucky Derby.
Joseph and any trainers who are under his direct or indirect employment are forbidden by the suspension to enter horses in races or request stalls at any of the tracks owned by Churchill Downs Inc.
Cause of Death Still Unknown
Despite ongoing investigations, the reasons behind the deaths of four horses, including Joseph’s Derby long shot, Wild On Ice, and 3-year-old filly, Take Charge Briana, who suffered musculoskeletal injuries during training or racing at Churchill Downs, remain unknown.
Sadly, all four horses had to be euthanized within a week.
Horses Dumped Riders
During on-track training on Thursday, two horses, including Verifying, who was set to participate in the Derby, threw off their exercise riders. Fortunately, neither rider sustained any injuries.
Safety Reforms Enacted After Horse Deaths
In 2019, the horse racing industry was shaken when over 40 horses died at Santa Anita in California, leading to the implementation of numerous safety measures.
Those safety measures were implemented to ensure the safety of the horses and riders.
Churchill Downs Statement
Churchill Downs conducts horse racing with the highest standards of animal welfare and compliance with regulatory requirements, prioritizing the safety of all equine and human athletes, as well as the integrity of the sport. The recent actions taken by Churchill Downs aim to protect the interests of all participants and the public who enjoy horse racing.
Trainer Speaks Out
Joseph issued a statement on the situation, saying, “We are devastated by the loss of these horses and are fully cooperating with the investigation. Our primary concern is always the safety and well-being of our horses. We have strict protocols in place to ensure their care and will continue to work closely with the authorities to determine what happened.”
Future of Racing Uncertain
With the unexplained deaths of four horses, including two trained by Joseph, at Churchill Downs in the past week, the future of racing at the track is uncertain. Churchill Downs has a responsibility to ensure the safety of all horses and riders, and they are working closely with investigators to determine the cause of the recent deaths.
The recent suspensions and horse deaths at Churchill Downs have raised concerns about the safety of horse racing. With investigations ongoing, it remains to be seen what caused the recent deaths and what actions will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The industry must continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all equine and human athletes involved in horse racing.
