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Tag: horse deaths
KHRC Update on Churchill’s Horse Fatalities
On the heels of both the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and Churchill Downs updating horsemen and the public Thursday on actions taken regarding the 12 equine deaths since Apr. 27 at the Louisville oval, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) issued an update of their own Friday afternoon outlining investigative actions already taken and planned to be taken in the future. The statement, which originated from the Commonwealth of Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet, appears in its entirety below:
“The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) takes the safety of all racing participants very seriously. The increased number of horse fatalities in Kentucky is concerning and the KHRC's veteran team continues to explore every known variable that could possibly be contributing factors in these deaths.
“Working daily with Churchill Downs and the Horseracing Safety Authority (HISA), the KHRC has taken the following actions:
- Opened an investigation into every horse fatality
- Interviewed jockeys, trainers, owners, grooms and backside workers regarding safety concerns and observations
- Increased pre-race scrutiny on every horse for racing soundness
- Participated in roundtable discussions with Churchill Downs' veterinary team, track superintendents and track executives looking for any recurring factor in the incidents.
- Reached out to California Horse Racing Board Executive Director Scott Chaney for best practices in the event of a rash of equine fatalities
- Participated in the HISA emergency summit and shared details of daily workouts, investigative interviews
- Created an executive-level safety steward position to coordinate daily track safety measures. Job details will be posted at KHRC.ky.gov when available.
“Out of an abundance of caution and effective June 7, 2023, Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund purses will be limited to first through fifth place finishers.
“All investigations opened after Apr. 29, 2023 are ongoing, but so far have not identified a common variable between these recent fatalities. The KHRC has not received necropsy reports from the University of Kentucky for any horse fatality after May 2, 2023. Once necropsies are completed and blood analysis is returned, the KHRC veterinary team takes a comprehensive look at all known factors that contributed to that death and compiles those results in a mortality review. As these reviews are completed, they will be made public and posted to the KHRC website at https://khrc.ky.gov/new_docs.aspx?cat=30&menuid=30
“Each completed mortality review will be shared with HISA for further review and recommendations.
“On June 2, 2022, the KHRC entered a voluntary agreement with HISA that grants them authority to oversee racetrack safety. On Mar. 21, 2023, KHRC entered a voluntary agreement with HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program.
“With these agreements in effect, the KHRC has authority to suspend a license for any violation that threatens the integrity of Kentucky horse racing or the KHRC's ability to protect the racing public except where HISA has preempted state regulations in the areas of 1) track safety, and 2) anti-doping and medication control (“ADMC”). If a track had violations related to either of these areas, HISA would have jurisdiction.”
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Ken Rudulph `No Longer With Fanduel TV’
Ken Rudulph, who ignited a Twitter firestorm with comments about horse racing on Monday, May 15, has apparently been dismissed from his role at the company, according to a FanDuel TV spokesperson.
“Mr. Rudulph is no longer with FanDuel TV,” the spokesman said, indicating that that would be the only statement made.
Rudulph was suspended from his duties two days after the he posted the Tweet, which read: “Horse racing needs to stop pretending and just be what it is. It's a great combo of WWE/reality TV/sports with a healthy dose of BS on the side. It's a great game. Cheating is part of it. Death is part of it. Losing is part of it. Winning makes it all worthwhile.” On the heels of the equine fatalities at Churchill Downs, many objected to the comments, criticisms that Rudulph initially deflected.
“Oh they absolutely knew what I was saying,” he said. “They also saw a reason to go “there”, so they went there. It's all part of the process. I expect it and I accept it.” It was unclear where “there” was.
The following day, he deleted the Tweet and tried to walk it back. “Monday evening, I made a mistake and used a very poor choice of words to make what I hoped would be a compelling thought regarding horse racing. I apologize to my colleagues and the industry for my lack of proper forethought. I truly felt you all would have the open dialogue with me. I will find a better way in the future. At NO POINT am I advocating for or supporting horse fatalities. I don't even know how that became part of this. I'm trying to have a conversation about the issues in this industry, and how we deal with them on a daily basis. This confusion reminds me why we can't have these conversations. But I'm not going to stop trying.”
Last week, Rudulph's Twitter status was changed to “TV News Anchor/Show Host/Sports Betting Analyst formerly with @Fandueltv.”
Reached by the TDN, Rudulph said he had no comment on the news. Tuesday morning, he Tweeted, “No more going backward. Let's just keep it moving. Carry the Hell on.”
No more going backward.
Let's just keep it moving.
Carry the Hell on.— Ken Rudulph (@MrKenRudulphTV) May 30, 2023
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Congressman Demands Investigation Into Derby Week Fatalities
In a letter released to the media Friday afternoon, U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon), along with 15 bipartisan supporters, are urging the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) to launch an investigation into the equine deaths at Churchill Downs earlier this month.
Addressed to HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus, Blumenauer's letter requests a response within 60 days and makes note of figures from the Equine Injury Database showing that between 2009 and 2021 some 7,274 Thoroughbred fatalities have occurred on American racetracks.
The Congressman urges HISA to make the findings of any investigation public, and encourages the group to review the horses' necropsies and medical records–which has been a standard part of mortality reviews in Kentucky for years and is spelled out in the existing HISA racetrack safety rules.
This story was first reported by The Paulick Report. Click here to read a copy of the letter.
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