PETA calls Churchill Downs a ‘killing subject’ after 7 horses die at monitor main as much as Kentucky Derby

Saturday’s Kentucky Derby was one for the ages as Mage edged out Two Phil’s and Angel of Empire to win the 149th operating of the race.

However, in latest days, Churchill Downs was the face of controversy that is continuously surrounded the game.

Seven horses died on the monitor within the week main as much as the race, together with potential Derby runner Wild on Ice and two different horses within the undercard for Saturday’s Derby.

PETA sounded off on the racetrack and the game Saturday.

Mage, left, ridden by jockey Javier Castellano, takes the surface of flip 4 throughout the 149th operating of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs May 6, 2023, in Louisville, Ky.  (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

“Churchill Downs is a killing subject. … They ought to play ‘Taps’ on the Derby as an alternative of ‘My Old Kentucky Home,’” PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo stated in a press release to Fox News Digital.

Churchill Downs Incorporated suspended coach Saffie Joseph Jr. indefinitely after two of his horses died in latest days on the monitor.

On prime of that, 5 thoroughbreds had been scratched from the massive race, together with the morning-line favourite Forte, simply hours earlier than the race. It was the primary time since 1936 5 horses had been scratched from the Kentucky Derby.

“Although PETA appreciates that the Kentucky state veterinarian exercised warning by scratching the Derby favourite, we known as for the closure of the monitor so stronger protocols might be put in place. Churchill Downs ought to have listened,” PETA stated.

View previous to the 149th operating of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs May 6, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. (Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire through Getty Images)

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“This is a part of racing, and it’s the merciless half,” Mike Repole, co-owner of Forte, stated in an interview with FanDuel TV.

This shouldn’t be new for the game in North America. 

Medina Spirit crossed the end line first on the 2021 Kentucky Derby however was disqualified after failing a post-race drug take a look at. Hall of Fame coach Bob Baffert, a two-time Triple Crown winner, was banned from Churchill Downs for 2 years due to it, however that wasn’t the tip of Medina Spirit’s controversy. The horse died that December. 

More than 30 horses died in 2019 on the Santa Anita racetrack in California.

General view previous to the 149th operating of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs May 6, 2023, in Louisville, Ky.  (Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire through Getty Images)

The second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes, is scheduled for May 20 in Baltimore.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.