LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Churchill Downs is suspending racing operations beginning Wednesday, June 7, 2023 through the rest of the Spring Meet, which lasts until July 3. The track will still hold live racing Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4.

The rest of the race meet is being moved to Ellis Park & Gaming in Henderson, Kentucky beginning Saturday, June 10.

The move comes after 12 horse deaths at Churchill Downs since April.

Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated, said in a statement, “What has happened at our track is deeply upsetting and absolutely unacceptable. Despite our best efforts to identify a cause for the recent horse injuries, and though no issues have been linked to our racing surfaces or environment at Churchill Downs, we need to take more time to conduct a top-to-bottom review of all of the details and circumstances so that we can further strengthen our surface, safety and integrity protocols.”

Rick Hiles, President of the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (HBPA) was quick to respond to Churchill’s decision saying in a statement to Spectrum News 1, “Horsemen question the purpose of this unprecedented step, especially without conclusive evidence that there is a problem with the racetrack at Churchill Downs. We all want to find solutions that will improve safety for horses. However, we need to discuss allowing trainers and veterinarians to use therapeutic medications that greatly lessen the risk of breakdowns. Drastic steps, such as relocating an active race meet, should only be considered when it is certain to make a difference.”

The HBPA represents approximately 6,000 owners and trainers at Kentucky’s five thoroughbred tracks.

Churchill Downs has reviewed its facilities and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has also conducted its own investigation and neither investigation has found a potential cause or pattern that links any of the animal deaths. Experts have also tested the surfaces at Churchill Downs and have found no issues.

In a news release from the track, it says they are moving the meet out of an abundance of caution and to keep “in alignment with a recommendation from HISA (Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority).” The track plans to review all safety and surface protocols.

Carstanjen added, “The team at Churchill Downs takes great pride in our commitment to safety and strives to set the highest standard in racing, consistently going above and beyond the regulations and policies that are required. By relocating the remainder of the meet to Ellis Park, we are able to maintain this industry ecosystem with only minor disruption. We are grateful to the Kentucky horsemen for their support, resiliency and continued partnership as we collectively work to find answers during this time.”   

Ellis Park will not only host the remainder of Churchill’s Spring Meet, it will also host its summer meet scheduled from July 7 to Aug. 27, 2023. The safety initiatives announced by Churchill Downs earlier will remain in effect for the meet at Ellis Park.