In the week leading up to the iconic Kentucky Derby, seven horses have lost their lives at Churchill Downs, the race's host venue. The track's officials confirmed the unfortunate news on Saturday.
Chloe's Dream, a three-year-old filly, was put down after Race 2 on Saturday due to a misstep during the first turn, which led to her being transported in a specialized horse ambulance, as reported by WDRB. Later that day, in Race 8, Freezing Point stopped abruptly and was escorted to the equine ambulance on his own. An injury to his front ankle was discovered, and after receiving a protective splint, he was ultimately euthanized.
Darren Rogers, the senior director of communications and media services for Churchill Downs, stated, "Chloe's Dream in Race 2 and Freezing Point in Race 8 sustained racing injuries from which they could not recover on Saturday, and for humane reasons, both were euthanized." The horses will undergo full necropsies at the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostics Lab.
These deaths occurred just a few hours before the main event, which took place at around 7 pm ET on Saturday.
Saffie Joseph Jr., a racehorse trainer, was suspended indefinitely by Churchill Downs following the unusual deaths of two of his horses, Parents Pride and Chasing Artie, on Friday. Three other horses not trained by Joseph have also perished in recent days. Wild on Ice, a Derby contender, was injured during training on Thursday, and Take Charge Briana suffered an injury in a race on Tuesday. Both horses were euthanized for humane reasons.
Lastly, on April 29, a three-year-old gelding named Code of Kings passed away after flipping and breaking his neck in the temporary paddock at Churchill before a race, as reported by the Daily Racing Form.
