LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Four horses have died in less than a week while training at Churchill Downs, overshadowing the Derby-week festivities.

In a statement, Churchill Downs said though the series of deaths is “highly unusual,” it is also “completely unacceptable.” The racetrack stressed its commitment to safety and accountability in horse racing. “We have full confidence in our racing surfaces and have been assured by our riders and horsemen that they do as well,” they added.

Churchill Downs described the varying circumstances for each equine death. They shared that two horses, Parents Pride and Chasing Artie, died suddenly of causes yet to be identified. Both horses were being trained by Saffie Joseph Jr.

Two other horses — Wild on Ice and Take Charge Briana — sustained injuries from which they could not recover. Wild on Ice was injured on April 27 while training on dirt and Take Charge Briana was hurt running a turf race Tuesday, May 2. Wild on Ice was taken to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital for care, but both horses “euthanized for humane reasons.”

The University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostics Lab will complete necropsies on both animals.

According to the Washington-based advocacy group Animal Wellness Action, 7,200 horses nationwide have died because of race injuries between 2009 and 2021. These deaths just add to that number.

In a statement, Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action, said the multiple horse deaths should be “distressing to anyone interested in the well-being of horses and the reputation of the horse-racing industry.”

“We remain especially concerned about breeding practices that value speed over bodily integrity and about track surfaces that may be putting the animals and the jockeys at risk of life and limb,” he added.

Churchill Downs said it is committed to working with regulators to conduct investigations into the deaths, and ensure the safety and well-being of horses.