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Churchill Downs

All articles tagged with #churchill downs

sports6 months ago

Fair Grounds Race Schedule Confirmed Amidst Legal and Industry Developments

The Louisiana State Racing Commission approved 76 race dates for the 2025-26 meet at Fair Grounds, with negotiations ongoing between horsemen and Churchill Downs Inc. over race dates and purses following revenue losses from a court ruling on historical horse racing machines. The meet is scheduled from Nov. 20, 2025, to March 22, 2026, with paddock renovations underway and a potential fine for delays. Churchill Downs has indicated intentions to surrender its racing and gaming licenses due to legal and revenue issues, but remains committed to the future of Fair Grounds racing.

sports1 year ago

"Owner's Appeal Denied: Baffert-Trained Muth Barred from 2024 Kentucky Derby"

A judge has denied a request by the owner of Bob Baffert-trained Arkansas Derby winner Muth to run in the 150th Kentucky Derby, citing concerns about the fairness and integrity of the sport. The owner's request for a temporary injunction was declined, and the judge expressed worry about the impact on other eligible horses if Muth were allowed to compete. Churchill Downs had extended Baffert's suspension through 2024, and the owner's emergency appeal is pending.

sports1 year ago

"Zedan's Lawsuit Could Impact Baffert's Kentucky Derby Future"

Amr Zedan, a client of trainer Bob Baffert, has filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary injunction to allow Baffert-trained horses to run in the upcoming Kentucky Derby. The lawsuit argues that Zedan purchased horses based on the expectation that they could compete in the 2024 Derby, and challenges the extension of Baffert's suspension by Churchill Downs Incorporated. The outcome of the lawsuit could determine whether Baffert will have horses in this year's Derby, with potential implications for the race's field and the sport's integrity.

sports2 years ago

HISA Report Reveals Reforms for Churchill Downs Horse Deaths

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has released a report on its investigation into the 12 horse deaths at Churchill Downs' Spring Meet, stating that there is no singular explanation for the fatalities. HISA recommends further action and analysis to mitigate risks, including robust data analysis, the introduction of more synthetic surface options, improved veterinary screening and diagnostic procedures, and the examination of equine fitness tools. The report found no major issues with the track surface or medication violations, but noted increased risk due to the frequency and tempo of racing and training schedules. Churchill Downs' September Meet is set to begin on September 14.

sports2 years ago

Kentucky Governor Places First Legal Sports Wager as Sports Gambling Launches Statewide

Governor Andy Beshear placed the first legal sports wagers in Kentucky as sports gambling became live in the state. Kentucky is now the 34th state to allow sports gambling. In-person wagering can be done at nine brick and mortar facilities, including the Churchill Downs Race and Sports Book. The facility offers cash-only kiosks, in-person windows, sports gambling kiosks, and the option to build a bet in line. There may be some initial hiccups, but the Churchill Downs staff is ready to assist users.

sports2 years ago

Bob Baffert's suspension extended by Churchill Downs through 2024

Churchill Downs has extended the suspension of renowned horse trainer Bob Baffert through 2024, citing him as a "threat to the safety and integrity of racing." Baffert was initially banned for two years after his horse, Medina Spirit, tested positive for a banned substance following the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Baffert's suspension was upheld by a U.S. District Court judge in May. Churchill Downs stated that Baffert continues to peddle a false narrative regarding the failed drug test. Baffert maintains that he followed the rules and applied an ointment topically. The decision to extend the suspension comes amid increased scrutiny of the horse racing industry and Baffert's record of rule violations and horse deaths.

sports2 years ago

"Churchill Downs Extends Bob Baffert's Suspension Through 2024: Reactions Pour In"

Churchill Downs has extended the suspension of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert through 2024, following his two-year ban after his Derby winner, Medina Spirit, tested positive for an anti-inflammatory. Baffert fought the suspension in court but ultimately backed down. Churchill Downs cited Baffert's "continued disregard for the rules" and lack of responsibility for multiple drug test failures as reasons for the extension. The suspension comes at a time when horse racing has implemented the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to ensure equine and track safety.

horse-racing2 years ago

Churchill Downs Extends Bob Baffert's Suspension Through 2024

Churchill Downs has extended the suspension of trainer Bob Baffert from the Kentucky Derby through 2024, citing his refusal to accept responsibility for the failed drug test of his horse, Medina Spirit, at the 2021 Derby. The suspension also applies to other tracks owned by Churchill Downs. Baffert, a Hall of Fame trainer, has a history of rules violations and has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Churchill Downs stated that Baffert's ongoing conduct demonstrates his disregard for racing rules and regulations. Baffert argued that he did not break any rules and expressed confusion over the suspension.

sports2 years ago

Churchill Downs extends Bob Baffert's suspension through 2024 for rule violations

Churchill Downs has extended the suspension of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert through at least 2024, citing concerns about the safety and integrity of racing. Baffert was initially suspended for two years in 2021 after his horse, Medina Spirit, failed a drug test following its Kentucky Derby win. Churchill Downs accuses Baffert of peddling a false narrative and disregarding rules and regulations. Baffert, who has trained multiple Kentucky Derby winners, denies any wrongdoing and claims to have followed the rules. The suspension comes after a series of failed drug tests and horse deaths in Baffert's stable.

sports2 years ago

Bob Baffert's Suspension at Churchill Downs Extended Through 2024

Trainer Bob Baffert's suspension from Churchill Downs has been extended through the end of 2024, preventing him from participating in the 150th Kentucky Derby. Baffert was initially suspended after his horse, Medina Spirit, failed a drug test following the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs cited concerns about the safety and integrity of racing in extending the suspension. Baffert has disputed the findings and requested a review of the rules. The track has also faced its own issues with horse fatalities this year.

sports2 years ago

"Churchill Downs Extends Bob Baffert Suspension Through 2024, Citing Continued Rule Disregard"

Churchill Downs has extended the suspension of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert through 2024, preventing him from entering horses in the Kentucky Derby and other races for an additional year. The decision was made due to concerns about the safety and integrity of racing posed by Baffert. The suspension comes after Baffert's horse, Medina Spirit, failed a drug test following the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs stated that Baffert's ongoing conduct and failure to accept responsibility for the drug test failures make him untrustworthy. The company will reevaluate Baffert's status after 2024.

sports2 years ago

Churchill Downs Suspends Bob Baffert Through 2024 for Rule Violations

Churchill Downs has extended its suspension of trainer Bob Baffert through the end of 2024, citing concerns about the safety and integrity of racing. The historic horse racing track banned Baffert after his horse, Medina Spirit, tested positive for betamethasone following the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs accuses Baffert of disregarding the rules and regulations that ensure horse and jockey safety, as well as the fairness of the races. Baffert's initial two-year suspension ended earlier this year, but Churchill Downs has now decided to extend it.

sports2 years ago

Uncertainty Surrounds Churchill Downs Horse Deaths.

The first mortality reviews of 12 horses that have died in recent weeks at Churchill Downs have returned with no evidence of improper medications or other health issues that could be directly linked to their deaths. The reviews are for just two of the dozen equine fatalities at Churchill since April 27, and are posted publicly by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. More mortality reviews are expected as they are completed.

sports2 years ago

Horse Racing Faces Turmoil Amidst Multiple Deaths and Suspensions.

Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby, will suspend racing indefinitely on June 7 following the deaths of at least 12 horses in the past month. The facility and the horse racing industry more broadly have been under scrutiny for animal welfare hazards. Churchill Downs has promised a review of all safety and surface protocols and integrity measures in collaboration with nationwide experts. Races will relocate to Ellis Park, another track owned by the same parent company. The move aims to remove scrutiny from the sport's best-known venue, but the hazards and inhumanities of horse racing will follow it wherever it goes.

sports2 years ago

Churchill Downs Suspends Racing and Moves Meet to Ellis Park After Horse Deaths

Churchill Downs has suspended racing temporarily after 12 horses died during the spring meet. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority recommended the suspension, and the racetrack moved forward with that suggestion. New measures were put in place, including track-based incentives, restricting the number of starts per horse, and making poor performers ineligible. Races scheduled for next Wednesday through Friday are canceled, and next Saturday, races will move to Ellis Park in Henderson, Kentucky, for the rest of the spring meet. The decision is supported by fans, but some are disappointed due to short notice.