Churchill Downs suspends trainer indefinitely after sudden death of horses at track
Saffie Joseph Jr., the trainer of Lord Miles, is shown during morning training for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4, 2023, in Louisville, Kentucky.
"Given the unexplained sudden deaths, we have reasonable concerns about the condition of his horses, and decided to suspend him indefinitely until details are analyzed and understood," Bill Mudd, president and chief operating officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated, said in a statement."The safety of our equine and human athletes and integrity of our sport is our highest priority. We feel these measures are our duty and responsibility.
Two other horses have died at the track in recent days. Take Charge Briana and Wild on Ice were both euthanized after injuries, the latter of which was set to run in the first leg of the Triple Crown, but no cause of death have been revealed for Saffie's horses.Joseph said earlier Thursday that investigators examined his barn, checked the horses’ veterinary records and took blood samples from each of his horses, which showed nothing abnormal.
A general view of roses in the winner's circle with the Twin Spires in the background during the Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2021, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
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