EQUINE SAFETY AT CHURCHILL DOWNS
Churchill Downs demonstrates unwavering commitment to equine safety through stringent protocols, state-of-the-art facilities, and continuous advancements in veterinary care, ensuring the well-being of every horse on its grounds.
Learning More about Equine Safety at Churchill Downs
The safety and wellbeing of our human and equine athletes are of utmost importance at Churchill Downs. We are constantly reviewing existing and developing new safety initiatives to enhance the wellbeing of all athletes that train or race at Churchill Downs.
Ensuring the safety of horses is a fundamental ethical responsibility. Horse racing participants recognize the moral obligation to prioritize the well-being and humane treatment of these animals. If you would like to learn more about Churchill Downs’ Equine & Jockey Safety & Integrity, please read our full PDF below.
Equine Safety & Welfare
At Churchill Downs, the well-being of our race participants are of utmost importance. A dedicated team of veterinarians from both Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) will maintain a close watch over the racehorses throughout their training sessions and in their stalls. This comprehensive monitoring extends to the trackside, where a Churchill Downs & KHRC veterinarian will be present at all times horses have access to the track.
To ensure the fitness and readiness of each participant on race day, prerace exams conducted by KHRC veterinarians each morning. These thorough examinations include a comprehensive assessment of the horse's general health, as well as palpation and flexion of the legs, carried out right in their stalls. This commitment to meticulous oversight underscores our dedication to the welfare of the equine athletes, ensuring a safe and secure environment for the exciting races that unfold at Churchill Downs.
Jockey Safety & Welfare
To enhance the immediate response capabilities in case of emergencies, we provide online access to jockey medical histories for emergency medical personnel. In the event of an injury requiring external medical evaluation, injured jockeys will be swiftly transported by ambulance directly to the designated hospital. Our commitment to jockey care is further exemplified by the presence of a dedicated team, including Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), nurses, and doctors.
Kentucky Derby Racing Integrity
For the safety and security of all participants, stringent measures are in place during Kentucky Derby Week. Horses are required to remain in their assigned barns and stalls, continuously monitored by security personnel. Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders undergo 24-hour video surveillance from Saturday at 11 a.m. until the conclusion of their respective races.
Additionally, all equipment and supplies are subject to search and seizure by Churchill Downs Racetrack and the KHRC. Security personnel escort Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks horses to the paddock, with priority given for schooling. Horse identification, conducted by Churchill Downs Racetrack identifiers, occurs on Thursday of Kentucky Derby Week and race day. Jockeys undergo magnetic wand scans before the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and randomly selected races for added security.
Dr. William Farmer
Equine Medical Director
Dr. Farmer brings a rich history of experience with racehorses to the position and a wealth of industry knowledge. Following his work as Racing Veterinarian with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (“KHRC”), he ascended to the position of Chief Racing Veterinarian and thus worked extensively in managerial and hands-on capacities, both long-term and urgent, at racing events and institutions, including multiple races for The Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup championships.
See Something? Say Something!
Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) is a leader in the welfare of horse and rider and the safety and integrity of horse racing. To improve investigative capabilities and awareness of issues affecting the integrity of live and historical horse racing in Kentucky, the KHRC has created a toll-free Integrity Hotline and anonymous online form.
Use this hotline or online form to contact the KHRC anytime you become aware of information, activity or improper practice that is not in the best interest of Kentucky horse racing. You may remain anonymous. However, we encourage you to provide contact information so that we can follow up with you, allowing for a quick and accurate investigation.
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