One of the most famous horse racing facilities in the world is getting an upgrade. Churchill Downs racetrack is adding new safety regulations following 12 horse deaths during Kentucky Derby season.
That includes new measures for the monitoring and care of horses and the creation of a safety management committee of horsemen, veterinarians and employees.
The track is also working with the federal Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and other experts to predict what horses are at-risk for injury using advanced analytics.
Churchill Downs is also doubling the frequency of surface testing. The track put its operations on pause June 7 for an internal safety review following the series of horse deaths.
No issues with the track’s racing surfaces were found, but last year’s derby season moved to Ellis Park during the investigation. Races at the track will continue starting Sept. 14 and through Oct. 1.
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