• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Want a chance to win $250? Take a few minutes to complete our survey and help us improve with your feedback! Take the Survey

Churchill Downs To Resume Racing Without Answers For Horse Deaths

  • Internal safety review fails to pinpoint specific cause for horse deaths
  • Resumption of racing will end a suspension of more than three months
Horses-racing-at-Churchill-Downs
Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Churchill Downs racing is set to return in September, but there’s still no definitive answer for the cause of this spring’s spate of horse deaths — and one might never arrive.

On Monday, officials for Churchill Downs Inc. said that live racing at the famed Kentucky racetrack will resume Sept. 14, ending a suspension of more than three months precipitated by one of the deadliest Triple Crowns ever, in which 15 horses died.

The resumption of scheduled racing arrives with a series of new health protocols, including increased veterinary oversight, the creation of a new safety management committee, additional track surface testing, and continued collaboration with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.

But a clear diagnosis of what led to the deaths never emerged from the internal safety review. Churchill Downs said “analysis by multiple leading experts found no issues with the racing surfaces” — and more broadly, no significant issues with the facilities or differences from prior years.

“That [lack of solid answers], in a sense, can sometimes be unsatisfying,” said Bill Carstanjen, Churchill Downs Inc. CEO. “But that’s business, and that’s sports. We just have to commit to continually doing everything we can.”

While racing at Churchill Downs has been on pause this summer, ambitious plans for a new paddock construction project were unveiled, and the company reported record net revenue.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

2025 Ryder Cup Tickets Sell Out Despite Outcry Over $750 Price

Next year’s event will be played at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y.

NBA Cup Courts Receive Mixed Reviews in Year 2 Debut

All 30 teams have special courts for the tournament games.

NHL’s Smallest-Market Team Is Breaking Records, Securing Its Future

Both wins and attendance are way up for the often-overlooked NHL franchise.

NFL TV Ratings Up Big on Major Networks, but There’s a Caveat

This NFL season has been marked by new media trends.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Will Drew Brees Return to Broadcasting?

0:00

Featured Today

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
November 8, 2024

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.

NFL Warns Teams About Political Game Day Rules

The league forbids displaying personal messages on game day.
November 13, 2024

Joey Logano Defends NASCAR Playoffs As League Reviews Format

Joey Logano won his third NASCAR Cup Championship on Sunday.
Oct 18, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) shoots over New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) during the first half of game four of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Target Center.
November 14, 2024

Why One WNBA GM Left for Unrivaled

She’s joining her Lynx star’s new league after 11 seasons in Minnesota.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 13, 2024

Caitlin Clark Draws Huge Early-Morning Crowds at LPGA Event

Golf Channel aired Clark’s 18th hole live, after moving up its studio show.
November 13, 2024

PLL Launches New Women’s Lacrosse League With 6-on-6 Format

The league will begin with a two-week tournament in February.
Napheesa Collier
November 13, 2024

Unrivaled Leaning In to TNT Deal With 850-Capacity Arena

The facility will have training, childcare, and content areas.
November 12, 2024

NBA In-Season Tournament Returns: New Name, Fresh Look, Bigger Payout

The league’s in-season tournament is back with a new name and a slightly raised top prize.