Multiple horse deaths this year have cast a shadow over Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. The racetrack came under increased scrutiny from equestrian groups when the death toll reached 12. To prevent any more controversy, however, the venue has requested that authorities such as the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) inspect the facilities and training grounds. Churchill Downs has opted to move the planned equestrian events to their new facility in addition to acknowledging fan complaints and permitting investigations.

According to Horse Racing Nation, due to regulatory pressure and a recent rash of horse fatalities, Churchill Downs has decided to relocate its current spring and summer racing meet to Ellis Park in Kentucky. The track’s administration announced the change in an official statement, and it will take effect the following Saturday.

A good decision by the equestrian facility

This weekend’s races will still be held at Churchill Downs, despite the fact that the events scheduled for the following Saturday will be held at Ellis Park. The CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has issued a statement expressing his appreciation to the Kentucky horsemen for their solidarity at this difficult time. “Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of all racing participants,” the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) approved the event relocation request from the Kentucky Derby site.

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The KHRC is also collaborating with the CDI and the HISA, per Horse Racing Nation’s reporting. After many deaths at the Kentucky Derby site without a clear explanation, the HISA issued a statement recommending that the event be relocated to Ellis Park for the time being out of an abundance of caution. Ellis Park was purchased by CDI for $79,000,000 in 2018, making the 2023 summer meet the first one held there since 2006.

The scheduled events at the new venue

Four more Grade 3 races will be held at the Kentucky Derby track. The inaugural race at Ellis Park, a Grade 3 called The Matt Winn, is scheduled for June 11, 2023. This race is supposed to be 1 1/16 miles long; however, the new track is too short.

During this period, the 101-year-old track would also host the Stephen Foster Stakes, the first Grade 1 race ever held there. On July 1, in addition to the Grade 1 race, the track will feature the Fleur de Lis (G2) and the Wise Dan (G2), providing horse racing enthusiasts with a veritable feast.

Until the investigations into the equine deaths are properly concluded, Churchill Downs will be having a rough time. The CDI has booked events on the new track during the refurbishment so that equestrian enthusiasts are not left without horse racing activity.

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