In the days leading up to the 2023 Kentucky Derby, seven horses lost their lives. The young horses met untimely deaths due to injuries sustained during training and racing at Churchill Downs¹. These heartbreaking incidents underscore the inherent dangers and risks faced by racing horses, shedding light on a sport that too often overlooks their welfare and prioritizes profit over their well-being.

One of the most prevalent threats to racing horses is the fragility of their legs. The intense physical demands of racing, coupled with the tremendous strain on their limbs, make them susceptible to catastrophic injuries². Horses are powerful animals, but their legs are delicate structures that can be easily damaged during high-speed gallops and sudden movements. The stress placed on their bones, tendons, and ligaments significantly increases the risk of fractures, sprains, and other debilitating injuries that can prove fatal.

Unfortunately, track accidents are an all-too-common occurrence in the racing industry. Horses, driven by competitive pressure and the urging of jockeys, push their limits to achieve victory. Tragically, this pursuit often leads to devastating consequences. The case of Code of Kings, who suffered a fatal neck injury after flipping three times, is a harrowing reminder of the dangers faced by these majestic creatures³. Such accidents not only end lives abruptly but also leave lasting emotional scars on the trainers, jockeys, and all those involved in the horse racing community.

Behind the glitz and glamour of the racing industry lies a dark underbelly characterized by inhumane practices and drug abuse. Despite touted reforms implemented in 2019, investigations reveal that horses are still subject to maltreatment and preventable deaths⁴.

Shockingly, a staggering 80% of horse deaths occur in horses between the ages of 2 and 4—innocent young lives lost due to the demands and pressures of the sport⁴. Horses are often drugged to mask injuries or enhance performance, leading to further health complications and risks on the track.

Trainers hold a crucial position within the racing industry, responsible for the overall care and well-being of the horses under their guidance. However, the pursuit of success and the pressure to produce winning horses can sometimes overshadow the trainer's moral obligation to prioritize the horse's health. Instances of trainers racing injured or sick horses are regrettably not uncommon, putting the animals at grave risk and perpetuating a cycle of endangerment⁵. The suspension of a trainer who had a horse test positive for gabapentin—a medication typically used to treat horse pain—underscores the need for strict enforcement and accountability.

The racing industry has recognized the need for reforms and has taken steps to address the welfare of racing horses. Various organizations and regulatory bodies have implemented rules and guidelines to protect the well-being of these magnificent animals. However, it is evident that there is still a long road ahead to ensure their safety and create a sustainable future for racing horses.

Every racing horse deserves a life free from harm and mistreatment, and we can ensure that the racing industry evolves into a safer and more compassionate environment for horses. Together, we can drive meaningful change and create a future where racing horses are protected, cherished, and celebrated. Sign the petition and call on Churchill Downs Incorporated to investigate horse deaths and implement stronger safety measures today!

More on this issue:

1. Brian Kateman, Vox (9 May 2023), "At the Kentucky Derby, horses are worked to death for human vanity."
2. Horses Only (7 January 2023), "Horse Riding Accident Statistics in 2023 (Latest U.S. Data)."
3. Patrick Battuelloway, Horse Racing Wrongs (3 May 2023), "Victim #5: Code of Kings Suffered Broken Neck Saturday at Churchill."
4. Joe Taglieri and Lex Talamo, Lady Freethinker (19 August 2022), "Special Report: California's Racing Reforms Still Leave Horses Sick, Beaten, Drugged, Abused and Dead."
5. Andrew Cohen, The Atlantic (24 March 2014), "The Ugly Truth About Horse Racing."