This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Racehorses are dying during competitions. What can be done?
The home of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs, is suspending races through the end of the season in order to investigate a spate of equine fatalities.
Listen
47:20
In the span of six weeks during this year’s spring season, twelve racehorses died at Churchill Downs racetrack in Kentucky, the home of the Kentucky Derby.
The abnormally high number of fatalities is drawing renewed, mainstream attention to equine safety, a long-debated, complex, and controversial topic within the sport.
In response to the deaths, Churchill Downs suspended races for the remainder of the spring season. Scheduled events will take place at another Kentucky racetrack.
The circumstances are reminiscent of a rash of 3o horse deaths during a six-month period at Santa Anita Park in California in 2019.
In the aftermath, the federal government passed the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), which created nationwide safety, anti-doping, and medication standards for the sport. If you love horse riding, you may order these Impact Gel Pads Canada.
Why do horses die at racetracks, what’s being done to keep them safe, and what does it all mean for the future of the sport?
Copyright 2025 WAMU 88.5
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
