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[Isgrimnur]

Churchill Downs temporarily suspends racing following a dozen horse deaths

Churchill Downs will move the remainder of its spring meet to Ellis Park, in Henderson, Kentucky, beginning June 10. Churchill Downs acquired Ellis Park last year. The move will last until July 3.

Part of the reason for the relocation is to make sure the track's surface itself hasn't played a role in injuring horses.

Churchill Downs released a statement Friday afternoon saying results from testing of the track have “concluded that the surface is consistent with prior measurements” in past years. During the relocation, officials will “conduct a top-to-bottom review of all safety and surface protocols and integrity measures in collaboration and consultation with nationwide experts,” as recommended by the Horseracing Safety and Integrity Authority.
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According to the Jockey Club, more than 7,200 thoroughbreds have died nationwide due to race injuries between 2009 and 2021. In 2022, about 1.25 horses died out of every 1,000 starts.

So far this season, Churchill Downs has hosted roughly 206 races as of Friday, according to the track's online calendar. With an average of eight horses running in each race, that’s just over 1,600 starts since late April. Of the 12 horses that have died this season, 10 succumbed due to injuries sustained during racing.