Horse Racing Authority Calls for Emergency Summit With Churchill Downs in Wake of 12 Deaths

Mage (8) with Javier Castellano aboard wins the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on May 6, 2023. Jeff Roberson/AP Photo

LEXINGTON, Ky.—Horse racing’s oversight authority will hold an emergency summit Tuesday with Churchill Downs, Kentucky’s racing commission and HISA veterinary teams to review information and analysis in the wake of 12 horse fatalities in the past month at the home of the Kentucky Derby.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) announced Monday that it will also send track superintendent Dennis Moore for a second independent analysis of the training and surfaces. HISA equine safety and welfare director Jennifer Durenberger will provide additional veterinary expertise and oversight of horses at Churchill Downs.