PETA wants answers after seven horses died in the week-plus leading up to the Kentucky Derby.
A pair of 3-year-old horses, Chloe’s Dream and Freezing Point, died Saturday on the Kentucky Derby undercard after suffering injuries, becoming the sixth and seventh horses to die in the lead up to the Derby.
“Churchill Downs is a killing field,” PETA senior vice president Kathy Guillermo said in a statement on Saturday. “Freezing Point is the latest casualty. He’s the second horse to die today at the track, making it an appalling seven deaths in advance of the Kentucky Derby. They should play ‘Taps’ at the Derby instead of ‘My Old Kentucky Home.’ “
Derby favorite Forte was scratched with an injury before the race, becoming the fifth horse scratched before the Run for the Roses.
“Although PETA appreciates that the Kentucky state veterinarian exercised caution by scratching the Derby favorite [Forte], we called for the closure of the track so stronger protocols could be put in place,” Guillermo said in a separate statement before Freezing Point’s death was confirmed. “Churchill Downs should have listened.”
Derby contender Wild On Ice suffered a leg injury while training on April 27 and was euthanized.
“Despite our determination to continually improve upon the highest industry standards, there is more to be done and we will rigorously work to understand what caused these incidents and build upon our existing data, programs and practices to better understand what has been incredibly difficult for us to witness and accept this week,” Churchill Downs said as part of a statement on Saturday.
Freezing Point was euthanized after suffering a left ankle injury during the eighth race.
“He just got bumped in the backstretch,” trainer Joe Lejzerowicz said. “He never took a bad step or bobble. He had a big heart.”
Chloe’s Dream suffered a knee injury during the second race.
Churchill Downs Incorporated did take some measures on their own, suspending Saffie Joseph Jr. indefinitely after two of his horses died at the track this week.
There will be new anti-doping and medication rules enforced by a central governing body for horse racing, and will take effect on May 22.