Kentucky derbies
Seven dead horses in one week at traditional horse races – animal rights activists are appalled
The Kentucky Derby has traditionally been held in the first week of May since 1875
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A shadow hangs over the traditional Kentucky Derby: Seven horses lost their lives at the horse racing event in the USA this year.
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most important horse races in the USA, with around 150,000 spectators flocking to the event every year, which has taken place in the first week of May since 1875. This year, however, the event was overshadowed by a number of horse deaths. A total of seven horses died within ten days at the 149th edition of the traditional event at Churchill Downs racecourse.
Five horses had to be euthanized during the week of racing. There were also two more dead animals in the race on Saturday. “We are deeply saddened to report these tragic deaths. Churchill Downs has a relentless commitment to the health and welfare of horses,” the organizer said in a statement.
Kentucky Derby: Harsh criticism from animal rights activists
Two horses collapsed on the course, others injured their knees or got caught in the race. Animal rights activists again expressed fundamental criticism of the event and horse racing itself. Peta Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo describes Churchill Downs racecourse as a “battleground”. Peta urged organizers to close the track in light of the recent deaths.
The two horses, who collapsed during the race, were being trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., who was suspended indefinitely by organizers. It’s unusual for two horses from the same stable to die under such mysterious circumstances, said Wayne Pacelle, president of animal welfare organization Animal Wellness Action.
Grand National at Aintree
Protests, police action on the racetrack – and a happy winner
Accidents happen all the time in horse racing. Equestrian sport has therefore been the subject of criticism from animal rights activists for a long time. Most recently, three animals died at the “Grand National”, England’s most spectacular horse race. According to statistics from the Jockey Club, a breed registry for thoroughbreds, more than 7,200 horses died in races between 2009 and 2021.